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Mary Peters: My Story
"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 honors 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 ‘Our Mary’.
"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
"An unparalleled influence in sport in Northern Ireland…and a role model and inspiration to so many people – including myself!" - HON. COL. DAME KELLY HOLMES MBE (MIL)
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 honors 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 ‘Our Mary’.
"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
"An unparalleled influence in sport in Northern Ireland…and a role model and inspiration to so many people – including myself!" - HON. COL. DAME KELLY HOLMES MBE (MIL)
224 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 9, 2024
Her story is amazing, she truly cares for the people of Northern Ireland and has done great things because of that! With the success Northern Ireland (Irish and GB) athletes have had in this Olympics speaks to Mary Peters legacy and it’s great to read the story behind that. Laying the foundation for sports in Northern Ireland when peace seemed so far away, I am sure everyone would agree we are glad she pushed her ideas and now we can watch athletes on the podium in Paris!
The writing was average but that doesn’t take away from her inspiring work.
The writing was average but that doesn’t take away from her inspiring work.
August 30, 2025
Mary P came to speak about her life and this book at the Gibraltar Literary Festival in 2023 so I bought a signed copy of her book afterwards. I wish I had known about her remarkable achievements and life then and how hard she had worked to get that Olympic Gold medal in Munich in 1972. I would have asked her some questions myself. Some would have been about her life and achievements described in her book. The book itself is not written in the most compelling way but her story definitely is. There is absolutely no mention about her love life, whether she ever had any relationships which left me wondering but of course it is her life, her book her choice, so fair enough,
All in all a good read and I’m glad I now do know who Mary P is. I wish her a continued healthy and happy life.
All in all a good read and I’m glad I now do know who Mary P is. I wish her a continued healthy and happy life.
September 6, 2025
Mary P is an amazing woman - this book provides the evidence in a straight forward no frills manner.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews