Sam Quek, once celebrated for her prowess on the hockey pitch, has seamlessly transformed into one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic sports broadcasters—a journey punctuated by personal triumphs, candid vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to her family. As the spotlight turns to Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, Quek’s life both on and off the screen is drawing renewed attention, offering a rich tapestry of achievement, resilience, and relatable humanity.
On February 8, 2026, Quek took center stage for Channel 5’s coverage of Super Bowl LX, co-presenting alongside Dermot O’Leary. The much-anticipated clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots was not only a sporting spectacle but also a testament to Quek’s growing reputation as a versatile broadcaster. According to the Daily Mirror, this assignment cements her status as one of Britain’s most prominent sports presenters, having previously covered everything from horse racing and rugby union to recent Olympic Games.
Quek’s journey to household-name status began in earnest with her gold medal win at the Rio 2016 Olympics as part of Team GB’s hockey squad. That victory catapulted her into the national consciousness, but rather than rest on her laurels, she pursued a diverse array of opportunities. She’s hosted NFL, rugby, and football coverage, contributed columns to publications such as Metro and the Daily Mirror, and even taken on the role of team captain in the revamped Question of Sport alongside rugby star Ugo Monye in 2021.
Yet Quek’s appeal extends far beyond the world of sports. Reality television has proven another arena in which she shines. She’s competed in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!—where she finished fourth—reached the grand final of Celebrity MasterChef, and charmed audiences on Strictly Come Dancing. Her blend of competitive spirit and down-to-earth humor has made her a favorite with viewers, and her television moments are often laced with quick wit. During the BBC’s coverage of the Tokyo Games, for instance, she deftly navigated an awkward live interview, reassuring viewers with a laugh about her conduct during the 2016 Olympics.
Behind the scenes, Quek’s personal life is as compelling as her professional one. She is married to Tom Mairs, a successful property entrepreneur who, like Quek, has made his mark in the public eye. The two first met as children at school, though their friendship didn’t blossom until years later. After an eight-year relationship, they married at Chester Racecourse in 2018, and have since welcomed two children: Molly and Isaac. The couple’s solid partnership is frequently cited as a source of strength for Quek, especially as she navigates the demands of public life.
Their relationship, however, isn’t without its lighthearted moments of envy—particularly when it comes to Quek’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing. According to OK! Magazine, Quek revealed, “My husband is genuinely really excited for me because he knows how much I’m going to enjoy it. And I think that’s what’s really special about our relationship. We are solid and I can’t wait to share this with him. He might even be a bit jealous, if I know Tom. He would love to be out there doing it. We’re always the couple at a wedding who are the last off the dance floor.”
Mairs’ playful jealousy stems from his own affection for the show and the fun of the dance floor, rather than any concerns about the so-called ‘Strictly Curse.’ Quek herself admitted, “I’m not sexy. I can’t do the sexy eyes, the body language. So I think that will be a challenge to tap into that side of me. If I try to do it, I’ll have to try not to laugh. I was on BBC Breakfast and was trying to show [presenter] Naga Munchetty my sexy face and he [Tom] texted me, saying, ‘Almost!’”
While their marriage is marked by humor and mutual support, the couple has faced profound challenges. Before the birth of their eldest child, Molly, Quek suffered a miscarriage—a heartbreaking event she described as having “taken its toll” on both of them. As a result, she chose not to announce her pregnancy with Molly until she was six months along, a decision rooted in caution and emotional self-preservation.
Their second child, Isaac, was born following a terrifying health scare just a week before his due date. Quek recounted the ordeal to OK! Magazine: “I woke up and felt a bit of a twinge. Those twinges gradually grew stronger and stronger and turned into contractions. I’d been having recurring nightmares that if this birth went to a C-section, I was going to haemorrhage. I just felt like something was going to go wrong for this one, I don’t know why. Naturally, when you’re pregnant and see blood, it’s never a good sign.”
She continued, “The consultant said, ‘Just to be safe, we’re going to whisk you down for an emergency C-section. We don’t want to take the chance that it could be anything sinister, so we would advise getting him out.’” The relief and joy that followed were palpable: “When his little face popped up over the curtain, it was the realization that he’d finally got here, was safe and was going to join our family of three to make it four.”
Financially, Quek’s success has translated into considerable wealth. According to The Sun, her net worth is estimated at around £4 million, accrued through endorsement deals stemming from her hockey achievements, her broadcasting career, and her appearances on celebrity shows. Mairs, too, boasts significant financial success, having received a £1 million gift from his father after completing his studies and establishing Antona Student Properties. He has since built his own reputation as a savvy entrepreneur and once featured on Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire.
As Quek continues to break new ground, her story resonates with many. She embodies the tenacity and adaptability required to excel across multiple fields, but it’s her openness about life’s challenges—be it the pain of miscarriage, the fear surrounding childbirth, or the everyday realities of marriage and parenthood—that truly endears her to the public. Her journey from Olympic glory to the bright lights of television, all while navigating the highs and lows of family life, paints a portrait of a woman both extraordinary and relatable.
So as millions tuned in to watch Super Bowl LX, they weren’t just witnessing another milestone in Sam Quek’s broadcasting career—they were following the next chapter in a story defined by grit, grace, and a genuine zest for life.