Olympic hockey champion Sam Quek says winning gold was child’s play compared to being a parent to two under two.
The 2016 Rio winner, 35, says being a mum to Molly, two, and Zaz, one, is her life’s greatest achievement. Sam, who is married to property entrepreneur Tom Mairs, said: “Professionally winning gold is my proudest achievement.
“But personally being a mum is the most extraordinary thing I’ve done. Every day I get reminded how amazing they are but also how tough being a parent is.
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“Being an athlete takes being a certain type of person but being a parent tests you in so many different ways. They are constantly learning something new every day and so are you. People tell you it becomes easier but it doesn’t really, the challenges just change.
(Image: BBC/James Stack)
“It is a completely different ball game to sport. I think I am good at listening and wanting to understand. But trying to ask a one year-old and a two-year-old what’s wrong is a different challenge. It’s hard but I love it.”
Since her Olympic glory Sam has gone on to become one of the BBC’s most popular sporting presenters.
The fan favourite has enjoyed successful stints on I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Master Chef.
And in 2021 become Question of Sports first female team captain in the quiz show’s 51-year history.
She said: “Question of Sport is my dream job. I’m such a sporting geek.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I do miss competing internationally at hockey but I am back playing in the premier league each Saturday.
“It’s certainly a lot harder than it was when I was a young, fresh 25-year-old.
“But that’s part of the reason I wanted to go back was to go back to being just Sam again.
“Being a working mum to two young kids I am often knackered.
“Sometimes I just want to sit on the sofa with a packet of crisps or pizza but if I am being held accountable by team mates I am more motivated to get out.”
Sam revealed Molly and Zac are already showing promising signs of following in her footsteps.
She said: “Zac loves kicking a ball or whacking a ball with whatever he can find.
“Molly is a thrower. She loves throwing things. I’m not sure if that’s just an age thing or not but Molly is very competitive like her mum.
“I notice that already even at her age.
“I do want my kids to go into sport but it doesn’t matter what level they are.
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)
“I don’t think I will be that competitive mum on the sidelines but I do think sport teaches you so many invaluable life lessons.”
Sam is currently hosting National Lottery’s award-winning podcast series Amazing Starts Here
She added: “I know first hand how important The National Lottery funding is. It allows you to become the best of the best. But it isn’t just athletes who benefit. The National Lottery Funding is literally saving lives across the country.
“I don’t think people realise just how vital it is to so many people. The variety of projects are endless.”
- Sam Quek is the host of The National Lottery’s award-winning podcast series Amazing Starts Here which celebrates the ordinary people who do extraordinary things with help of the £30 million raised each week for good causes by the National Lottery
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
