PETER SNELL WAS ONE OF NEW ZEALAND'S GREATEST, IF NOT ITS GREATEST, EVER OLYMPIANS AND A MIDDLE DISTANCE SUPER STAR OF THE 1960'S AND THE ATHLETE OF THE CENTURY.

He was my personal idol; I acknowledge the following article:

The athletic achievements of Dr. Peter G. Snell are considered so great that the term "Snell-like" is used to signify excellence: Three Olympic gold medals, two Empire (Commonwealth) games golds, a collection of world records and no defeats in major races. Peter Snell was the first person inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

Twice, Dr Snell was named New Zealand Sportsman of the Year and was named Athlete of the Decade (1960's) by the authoritative Track and Field News and has now been named New Zealand's Athlete of the Century. Considered a long shot and ranked 25th in the world when he was selected for New Zealand's Olympic team in 1960, Dr. Snell captured the first of three gold medals with his 800-meters record-setting victory at the 1960 Games in Rome. For more on Peter Snell's Olympic success click here

Four years later in Tokyo, Dr. Snell won both the 800 and 1,500-meter races - a feat that has not been accomplished since. In 1961, he set world records for 800 meters, 880 yards and the mile, while also setting indoor world records in the 880 and 1,000 yards. Peter is still very active. He competes in orienteering events and has been US champion in his age group.

Read about Dr Peter Snell