In Memory of

Peter George Snell

17 Dec 1938 - 13 Dec 2019

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  • First Names:Peter George
  • Also known as:Sir Peter
  • Last Name:Snell
  • Age:80y
  • Country:United States of America
  • Published Notices:(1) View noticesOrder summary

Peter (80) was one of New Zealand's famed middle distance runners, winning gold in the 800m at the Rome Olympics in 1960, which set a new international record, In 1964 at the Tokyo Olympic he also won gold in the 1500m.
"He was regarded as New Zealand's greatest sportsman, so outstanding that huge crowds gathered to watch him race. Born in Opunake in 1938, he was so outstanding an athlete that his name became a figure of speech signifying excellence."*
He was voted New Zealand Athlete of the Century (2000) and became a Distinguished Companion of the Order of New Zealand in 2002. He was also awarded Knight Companion of the Order in 2009.
He was living a full life, despite heart problems, up until this death at his home in Dallas, USA, where he had been living since the early 1970's. RIP Peter.

*https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/405484/olympic-middle-distance-runner-sir-peter-snell-dies-age-80

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