Date of Birth: December 17, 1938
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: December 12, 2019
Biography
Peter Snell was a renowned New Zealand middle-distance runner, best known for his remarkable performances in the 800 meters and 1500 meters events during the 1960s. Born in Opunake, New Zealand, Snell rose to international fame under the coaching of Arthur Lydiard, who developed a revolutionary training program emphasizing endurance and strength. Snell’s breakthrough came at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the 800 meters. He continued his dominance at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, clinching gold in both the 800 meters and 1500 meters, solidifying his status as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time. After retiring from competitive athletics, Snell pursued academic interests and earned a Ph.D. in exercise physiology. He moved to the United States, where he contributed to sports science and held a faculty position at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Snell’s legacy in athletics remains profound, and his contributions to sports science continue to influence athletes and researchers worldwide.
5 Interesting Facts about Peter Snell
1. Peter Snell was coached by Arthur Lydiard, who is considered one of the greatest running coaches of all time.
2. He was knighted in 2009, becoming Sir Peter Snell for his services to sport.
3. Snell set world records in the 800 meters, 880 yards, and the mile.
4. He is one of only a few athletes to win gold medals in both the 800 meters and 1500 meters at the same Olympic Games (1964).
5. Snell was an accomplished table tennis player before he took up running seriously.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peter Snell
1. “When it’s pouring rain and you’re bowling along through the wet, there’s satisfaction in knowing you’re out there and the others aren’t.”
2. “The only tactics I admire are do-or-die.”
3. “I’ve always believed in the concept of having a foundation of endurance.”
4. “To be the best, you have to work harder than everyone else.”
5. “Success in running comes from having a strong mind as well as a strong body.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Peter Snell’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Peter Snell had two daughters, Amanda and Catherine, with his first wife, Sally.
Relevant Links
1. [Peter Snell – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Snell
2. [Olympic Profile – Peter Snell](https://www.olympic.org/peter-snell
3. [New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame](http://www.nzhalloffame.co.nz/Inductees/S/Peter-Snell
4. [Biography on NZ History](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/peter-snell
5. [Legacy in Athletics](https://www.worldathletics.org/athletes/new-zealand/peter-snell-14360485
