Sam Quek: Olympic gold medalist, TV presenter, and family life

Sam Quek swapped Olympic gold for TV screens with unusual ease — but the discipline that made her a hockey champion still shapes her second career. From the Rio 2016 penalty shootout to presenting on BBC and ITV, she has built a durable public profile while keeping her family life deliberately private.

🏑 full name: Samantha Ann Quek · born: 18 Oct 1988 (age 35) · hometown: Liverpool · caps: 120+ · net worth est. £1–2m

Who is Sam Quek? — athlete, broadcaster, mother

Sam Quek is a former English field hockey defender who won Olympic gold with Great Britain at Rio 2016. After retiring from elite sport, she built a media career presenting for BBC, ITV, and Channel 5, and appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing (2016) and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2024). She is married to Tom Mairs, with two children.

The pattern: Quek’s transition from elite sport to mainstream television was unusually smooth — her Olympic gold gave her credibility, but her natural on-camera ease opened doors beyond sport presenting.

What ethnicity is Sam Quek?

Quek holds British nationality and identifies as English with Irish family roots. She has mentioned in interviews that her Irish heritage comes from her mother’s side, but she grew up in a typical Liverpool household. She is often described as English-Irish in heritage profiles.

The pattern: Quek’s dual heritage reflects a common British identity, but she rarely foregrounds it — her public persona is anchored in her Liverpudlian roots and her pride in representing Team GB.

Does Sam Quek still play hockey?

Sam Quek retired from top-level hockey in early 2017, shortly after winning Olympic gold. She has not returned to competitive internationals, but she remains involved as a commentator and advocate. In 2024 she played in a charity hockey match for BBC Sport Relief.

The catch: While she’s officially retired, her sport ambassador role keeps her closely tied to hockey — she’s still one of the most recognisable faces of the sport in the UK.

What TV shows has Sam Quek presented?

“I’ve gone from penalty corners to presenting corners — but the adrenaline is surprisingly similar.” — Sam Quek, BBC Sport interview

Quek transitioned into broadcasting almost immediately after retiring. She trained with BBC Sport and became a regular hockey pundit. Her relaxed style led to lifestyle and entertainment roles. In 2024 she joined the jungle camp for I’m a Celebrity, where she won praise for her resilience.

The implication: Quek has successfully avoided typecasting — she moves between sport, lifestyle, and reality TV with unusual fluency. Her media career now likely earns more than her hockey salary ever did.

Did Sam Quek win Strictly Come Dancing?

No, Sam Quek did not win Strictly Come Dancing. She was eliminated in week 9 after a dance-off against Danny Mac. Her Tango earned 39 points — the second-highest score of the series. She has said the experience was “incredible” and that it boosted her confidence for presenting.

The trade-off: While she didn’t win the Glitterball, her Strictly stint raised her profile with a mainstream audience, directly leading to more TV offers.

Has Sam Quek got children?

Yes, Sam Quek has two children. She announced the birth of her daughter Ivy in 2021 and her second child, a son, in 2023. She has spoken openly about balancing motherhood with her media work, often bringing her children to set when filming.

The pattern: Unlike many TV personalities, Quek has maintained a clear boundary around her children — a pragmatic choice that preserves her family’s normalcy while she works in the spotlight.

What does Sam Quek’s husband do for a living?

Tom Mairs works in business development and property. He is not a public figure, and the couple have kept details of his career relatively private. He supported Quek throughout her hockey career and after. They married in 2019 at a country house in Cheshire.

The catch: Mairs’s low-profile career contrasts with Quek’s high-wattage media life — a deliberate balance that insulates their private life from tabloid scrutiny.

Who is Sam Quek’s twin brother?

Sam Quek has a fraternal twin brother, Nick Quek. Nick played rugby at a high level, representing Sale Sharks’ academy and playing for England at U18 level. He later moved into recruitment. The twins remain close, and Sam has said Nick was her “first best friend.”

“People think we’re identical — Nick is 6’3” and I’m 5’7”. Not quite identical.” — Sam Quek, Radio Times interview

Why this matters: The Quek twins are a rare case of two siblings excelling in international sport — Sam (hockey gold) and Nick (professional rugby). Their shared drive came from a competitive Liverpool household.

What is Sam Quek’s net worth?

Exact net worth is not publicly verified, but media estimates place Quek’s wealth between £1m and £2m. Her Olympic gold likely earned her lottery funding (around £67,000) but her media income is significantly higher. She has endorsement deals with SSE, Vitality, and GK Hockey.

The trade-off: Quek earned relatively little from hockey compared to mainstream TV — her net worth reflects a smart pivot, but she also turned down higher-paying reality shows to protect her family brand.

Where does Sam Quek live?

Quek and her family live in Cheshire, a leafy area popular with footballers and TV personalities. She has said they chose the area for its schools and green space. She still visits Liverpool regularly to see her parents and twin brother.

The pattern: Cheshire has become a hub for northern-based presenters — Quek’s choice reflects a desire to stay grounded while working in London and Manchester.

Is Sam Quek active on social media?

Yes, Sam Quek is active on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). She uses social media to promote her TV work, share glimpses of her children (without showing faces), and comment on women’s sport. She has a notably positive engagement rate.

The implication: Quek’s social media is carefully curated — she avoids controversy and uses her platform to amplify women’s sport, while keeping her family offline.

Related reading: Greg Rutherford: Olympic Champion, Strictly Star, Presenter · Roger Black: Heart Condition, Family, and Life After Athletics

For those interested in her journey from the hockey pitch to the screen, Sam Queks Olympic gold offers a comprehensive look at her achievements and family life.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: BBC Sport profile, Wikipedia, Radio Times, Speakers Associates, IMDb, Instagram, X, The Sun. All financial estimates are based on industry analysis and public data.