Mary Peters is an Olympic and Commonwealth Athletics legend.
Born in Liverpool, Mary moved to Northern Ireland at an early age, a place which she regards as her roots. Through a strong work ethic, which remains her hallmark, Mary converted raw talent as an athlete into an international career spanning nearly two decades.
In the pentathlon & the shot she turned in performances of a consistently high standing in international competition: fourth in the Olympics in 1964, second in the shot at the Commonwealth Games in 1966 & first in the Commonwealth pentathlon in 1970 & 1974. Her career was crowned with a gold medal & world record in the pentathlon at the Munich Olympics in 1972.
At the end of 1972 Mary had been announced as BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. In 1973 she was made an MBE & in the same year became a member of the Northern Ireland Sports Council, a position she maintained for 20 years.
From 1979 to 1984 Mary was Team Manager to the British Women’s Athletic Team. Under her management the team brought 9 bronze medals home from the Moscow Olympics in 1980 & in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics they won 7 bronze, 2 silver & 1 gold medal.
Since retiring from track & field, Mary Peters has dedicated herself & her time to serving various organisations including national & community sport, charitable & community causes & broadcasting as well as the press.
She has a very strong work ethic & is very dedicated to what she does. Numerous honours, awards & trophies have been given to Mary & the use of words such as golden girl, legend & icon are frequently used by way of introduction at her after dinner speaking engagements or motivational lectures throughout the world.
When Mary speaks about her athletics career, a daunting determination & toughness comes across. “Oh Yes, there was a steel there, there has to be. It’s not easy winning a gold medal & it’s the one that matters. No one remembers who won the silver medals”.
Mary has applied this same determination to other areas of her life in order to achieve what gives her the most pleasure & satisfaction. She is one of life’s rarities: a wonderful raconteur who speaks from vast experience with dignity & knowledge yet with caring, humility & humour.
To enquire about or book Mary Peters for your event contact Arena Entertainment. Either send an email to info@arenaentertainments.co.uk or speak to one of our booking agents on 0113-239-2222.
