GIBUNCO
GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL
LITERARY FESTIVAL

Back to Speakers

Lady Mary Peters

‘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.

Based on an extensive personal archive, including diaries dating back to Mary’s teenage years and

personal correspondence, and with over 60 photographs, this is the definitive account of a truly

remarkable woman.

The book includes a Foreword by Lord Sebastian Coe CH, KBE and endorsements from Dame Kelly Holmes,

Carl Frampton, Joslyn Hoyte-Smith, Dame Katherine Grainger along with many

others.

The Convent