BBC presenter puts job at risk by accepting new role with bosses ‘unimpressed’ | Other | Sport

Sam Quek’s position at the BBC is reportedly the subject of scrutiny after she accepted a presenting role for the Enhanced Games. The Olympic gold medal-winner allegedly took BBC bosses by surprise when she hosted coverage of the inaugural edition of the Games in Las Vegas.

But her latest enterprise has allegedly left her superiors with the British broadcaster “unimpressed.” That’s according to the Daily Mail, with insiders suggesting her future with the network could now be in doubt.

The report said it would be “interesting” as to whether or not Quek returned to work for the BBC again. And it seems her participation at what has been dubbed the ‘Doping Games’ could be the cause.

The Enhanced Games were touted as a new age of athletics, allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs otherwise banned at the Olympics. However, the maiden edition went down like a lead balloon after only one world record was broken in Nevada.

Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev broke the world record in the 50-metre freestyle wearing a ‘futuristic super suit’ banned by World Aquatics. He set a new time by 0.07 seconds, though this was the only new benchmark established from 22 events at the Enhanced Games.

Quek worked as a commentator and host in Las Vegas, interviewing athletes around their bids for glory. However, the lack of impact and general derision of the Enhanced Games on social media raises questions as to whether it will make a comeback in future.

The same could be said for Quek’s involvement at the BBC after what’s been a promising start to her on-screen career. There are now just two years to go before the Summer Games return in Los Angeles in 2028.

Quek has held a range of other television roles, including her duties presenting American football on the BBC and rugby union on Channel 5. She has also worked on Liverpool’s in-house channel, LFC TV, and hosted football coverage on Channel 4.

The Enhanced Games has been portrayed as a rival competition to the orthodox Summer Games, which would supposedly “redefine human limits.” In the end, however, it may only serve as another farewell to numerous ex-athletes trying their hand in a format that failed to impress as hoped.