Olympic hockey player and BBC Question of Sport team captain, Sam Quek, decided to throw a grand celebration after facing tough times, including the loss of two relatives, a close friend, and their dog, as well as their daughter Molly being hospitalized with a virus. The celebration was a ‘four-in-one’ bash, including joint christenings and birthday parties for Molly and Zac, complete with a jungle theme, a zoo of model animals, ball pool slides, and a five-tier waterfall cake. The event felt like a second wedding, with 150 guests in attendance, and was a chance for the family to come together after a challenging period.
The siblings, born only 12 months and one week apart and both Covid babies, had not had the opportunity for large gatherings to celebrate their arrivals. Sam and her husband Tom wanted to create lasting memories for everyone and bring their families together in a joyful occasion. The party, which took place at a Merseyside hotel near their Wirral home, was the culmination of a busy few years for Sam, who won a gold medal in hockey for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympics and has since taken on various roles in TV and sports broadcasting while juggling motherhood.
Sam embraced the jungle theme for the party, inspired by her time on I’m A Celebrity, and supported local businesses by purchasing the cake and dresses locally. As a mother, Sam admits that becoming a parent has softened her and allowed her to connect more with her emotions, something she couldn’t do as an elite athlete. Balancing work, motherhood, and her personal life is a challenge for Sam, who prefers to be a hands-on mother rather than relying on nannies. Making friends with other mothers can sometimes be tricky, as she likens it to dating and finding a connection.
Sam hopes that her children, Molly and Zac, will develop a passion for sports like she did, as she believes it has shaped her into the person she is today. She looks out for signs of talent in her children from a young age and is excited by their interest in various activities like swimming, playing hockey, and driving toy cars. While the family has not ruled out the possibility of more children in the future, Sam is focused on being a successful mother and presenter and doesn’t want to miss out on important moments with her kids. She has learned to believe in herself, drawing on her 15 years of experience as a top-level athlete.
Looking ahead, Sam has various work opportunities lined up, including discussions about being involved in this summer’s Paris Olympics coverage. Her family celebration was a testament to their resilience and ability to come together after facing challenging times. Sam’s achievements, both on and off the field, show that she is more than just a gold medal-winning Olympian, but also a dedicated mother and successful TV personality. The full interview and exclusive pictures are set to be featured in OK! magazine on April 9th.
