Roar

*SHORTLISTED for the Vikki Orvice Award for Women's Sports Writing at The British Sports Book Awards 2024* 'The stories here are vital to our understanding of women's sporting history' GABBY LOGAN From the tennis court to the boxing ring, the athletics track to the football pitch, the visibility of women in sport has been gathering pace. Women's competitions are increasingly popular. In Roar Sam takes a deep dive into the experiences of some of sport's most high-profile female athletes - some have overcome heartbreaking adversity to reach the top of their game; others have succeeded in the face of prejudice. Like Sam, all have been propelled by sheer grit and determination to succeed. Many now campaign for women's equality and acceptance in sport, knowing the confidence it can bring young girls and the message that they can achieve anything. Featuring a series of candid interviews from some of sport's most successful women, Sam lifts the lid on what it takes to reach those heights: from coping with puberty to foregoing teenage fun to pursue a dream; from the punishing physical training schedule to the mental power needed to win or bounce back from defeat; and coping with the pressure of the media spotlight. And, what it feels like in that magical moment when you step up to the podium knowing every sacrifice has been worth it. Roar is a celebration of the bold and fearless - the women empowering future generations to follow in their footsteps - but it is also an inspiring look at how sport can change lives and challenge society.

Sam Quek MBE is an internationally successful field hockey player, who was a vital member of Great Britain's women's hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. This was the first ever Olympic gold medal for Great Britain's women's hockey. Sam is now a full-time presenter of the BBC's daytime TV show Morning Live and in 2021 presented the Tokyo Olympics live on the BBC. Also in 2021, Sam became the first ever female team captain on Question of Sport. Sam lives with her husband and their two children.