WIRRAL hockey star Sam Quek became an Olympic gold medallist last night as the British team beat the Netherlands in a tense final in Rio.

The victory makes them the most successful women’s hockey team in Olympic history.

They faced tough competition as the Dutch side - who are ranked number one in the world - were chasing their third successive Olympic title.

The former Birkenhead High pupil has spoken to the Globe following what was a thrilling night of sport.

She said: “I still can’t believe it, I think I spent most of last night just saying ‘oh my god’.

“I keep looking at my gold medal and I can’t quite believe it.

“We were all nervous as we were going into an Olympic match but we knew we were more than capable of winning the dutch side, we beat them last year and were confident we could do it again.”

"We all had a great time celebrating last night, so are quite tired today. We had a rooftop party with our families."

Wirral Globe:

The Wirral star is has described the win as a dream come true PICTURE: Koen Suyk

Sam is central defender for the British team who won every single one of their matches in the competition.

“It was great to see all the team's hard work pay off," she said.

“In the tunnel before the game we all made sure we were focused, we had done our research on the team to help us prepare which helped.”

It was Hollie Webb who secured the team’s winning penalty following a gripping shootout, which saw Britain win 2-0.

The delight on Sam’s face when the shot went it, showed how much this win meant to the team.

“I actually can’t even remember much of that moment I was so ecstatic, I just kept watching the ball by Hollie’s stick.

“I think it was the fastest I had ran all game when it went in.

“The whole experience has been a big whirlwind.” She said.

Back home, around 40 of Sam's family and friends had gathered to watch the game at the Devon Doorway pub in Heswall to cheer her on.

Before leaving for Rio, the star thanked those closest to her for all their support via a social media post. She told the Globe how much she is looking forward to returning to Wirral to see them all.

“There was a social media ban so it was only through people in the camp telling us how much support we were receiving, which has been fantastic.

"I cannot wait to get back to Wirral and see all my friends and family, a lot has happened while I’ve been out here including my brother having a baby."

She also explained the details behind her Twitter post in which she dedicated her gold medal to her nan.

She said: “My nan suffered a stroke while I’ve been out here training, my family decided it was for the best not to tell me until after the final, which I agree it was completely the right decision and thankfully my nana has made a great recovery.”

Sam who is now a European gold medallist and an Olympic gold medallist explained she will be taking a well-deserved rest when she returns home.

“The pinnacle is done, this whole experience is what dreams are made of.

“I can actually say I have achieved my dream which feels very surreal.

“I am now looking forward to a break until December and then will look to give back to all those who supported me and the sports itself.

“I owe so much to everyone around me.”