‘I leaned over the edge to let anyone see and touch the medal that Northern Ireland had brought away from the Olympics. It wasn't mine, it was ours.’
In September 1972, after years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication, Mary Peters won the gold medal for the pentathlon at the Munich Olympics. Her skill as an athlete could not be disputed, yet this was to mark only the beginning of her story. A beloved figure in her adopted home of Northern Ireland, Mary has spent decades promoting and encouraging its young sportspeople. From establishing its first high standard synthetic athletic track, to founding the Mary Peters Sports Trust, she has been a stalwart ambassador for sport and for Northern Ireland itself, and has received several royal honours in recognition of her services to sport and the community. With over 60 photographs set alongside lively commentary and insight into contemporary events, this is the definitive account of a truly remarkable woman.
‘A joyful trailblazer, Mary takes her place amongst those few special sporting stars who have achieved legendary status – both as an athlete and in her achievements since leaving the track.’ - DAME KATHERINE GRAINGER DBE
‘I owe so much to Mary Peters. I was a beneficiary of one of her foundation’s grants, and for that, and for her continued support, I will always be grateful.’ - CARL FRAMPTON MBE
‘Mary Peters is an inspiration. She has used her success to encourage and support so many people in reaching their potential, personally demonstrating how to overcome the disappointments and celebrate the achievements.’ - JOSLYN HOYTE-SMITH OLY
Author
About Lady Mary Peters
Lady Mary Peters was born in Halewood, England, in 1939. At the age of eleven, she moved to Northern Ireland, and it was there that she discovered an aptitude for sports. Between 1958 and 1974, she represented Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games, winning two gold medals for the pentathlon, and a gold and a silver medal for the shot-put. In 1972, she won the gold medal for the pentathlon at the Munich Olympics and the same year won the award for BBC Sports Personality of the Year. She has since dedicated her energies to charitable work through the Mary Peters Track and her sports trust, the Mary Peters Trust, which funds talented young sportspeople. In 1973 she was awarded an MBE, and over the years has received a CBE, a DBE and a CH for her services to sport and the community in Northern Ireland. In 2009 she was named the Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Belfast, and she is also a Freeman of the Cities of Lisburn and Belfast. In 2017, she was made a Dame of the Order of Saint John (DStJ), and in 2019 was appointed as a Lady Companion of the Order of the Garter (LG).
