Strictly Star Sam Quek Receives Backlash Amid Grand National Role
Former Team GB star, Sam Quek, recently faced criticism after it was announced that she would be joining the ITV Racing team for this year’s Grand National. Quek, a 36-year-old who achieved gold with the GB women’s hockey team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, has transitioned into broadcasting after retiring. She has previously worked as a presenter for the BBC during the Tokyo Olympics and covered football, NFL, and rugby events. Quek, a proud Liverpudlian, has a background in horse ownership and has had horses participate in prestigious races like the Cheltenham Festival and the 1,000 Guineas.
Despite her extensive experience and achievements, Quek’s addition to the ITV Racing team was met with negativity on social media. Some went as far as to claim that her involvement would “ruin” the Grand National. The criticism escalated to questions about her knowledge and expertise in horse racing. In response, Quek spoke out against the backlash, stating that the reaction was unexpected and disappointing. She emphasized that her previous interactions with the racing community had always been positive and inclusive, making the recent criticism stand out.
Quek expressed her surprise at the negative comments that surfaced online following the announcement of her role with ITV Racing for the Aintree event. She highlighted the discrepancy between the welcoming receptions she had received in other sports over the past decade and the recent backlash in the racing world. Despite the doubts raised about her suitability for the role, Quek remained steadfast in her belief that her passion for racing and broadcasting made her a well-suited candidate to engage with new audiences, especially those tuning in for major events like the Grand National for the first time.
Acknowledging the scepticism around her background in hockey rather than horseracing, Quek affirmed that she aimed to bridge the gap between different sports through her role in the ITV Racing team. She expressed confidence in her ability to excel in the position and convey her enthusiasm for racing to a broader audience. Quek also addressed the negative comments, stating that while everyone is entitled to their opinion, she focused on valuable feedback from individuals she respects. She underscored that while criticism may arise, she remained undeterred and committed to delivering a quality broadcasting performance during the prestigious race meeting.
Quek’s resilience in the face of unwarranted criticism reflected her determination to make a positive impact in her new role. By addressing the backlash head-on and reiterating her dedication to promoting the sport she loves, Quek showed her commitment to overcoming challenges and stereotypes. As she prepares to join the ITV Racing team for the Grand National, Quek’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and staying true to one’s passion despite facing adversity. Through her unwavering resolve and focus on the task at hand, Quek exemplifies the spirit of a true champion ready to embrace new opportunities and excel in uncharted territories.