ExhibitionsClosed

Medal-winning magicTe Kaha Whakawhiwhinga Mētera

Get into the Olympic spirit, and see two iconic gold medals up close.

***

Rukuhia te wairua Orimipia kia kitea ngā mētera koura hirahira.

When | Āhea

Wed 24 July to Tues 24 September

Where | Ki hea

Wellington Foyer, Level 2

Cost | Te utu

Free with museum entry

Allow | ME WHAKARITE

10 minutes

Accessibility | E wātea ana ki

Wheelchair accessible

This small, short-term exhibition celebrates the achievements of Sir Peter Snell (1938-2019), one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s greatest middle-distance runners. He powered to stardom using the revolutionary training methods of his coach, Arthur Lydiard.

I was just 21 and when I burst through to win … I was stunned ... It was hard to believe that suddenly I was an Olympic champion.

– Peter Snell on the 1960 Rome Olympics

At the 1960 Rome Olympics, Snell wasn’t considered a medal prospect – but in the final moments of the 800 metres, he surged to victory. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Snell scooped two gold medals, in the 800 and 1500 metres. He’s still the only man who has won both races since 1920.

Discover moreKia kitea ake

Who was Peter Snell?
During his athletic career Sir Peter Snell won three Olympic gold medals, two British Empire and Commonwealth Games gold medals, and set at least six world records.
Watch: Peter Snell’s winning shoes
Learn about the unique shoes Peter Snell wore when he won gold in the 800m race at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Peter Snell’s donated objects
An overview of the 14 significant items Peter Snell has donated to Te Papa from his personal collection, including two Olympic gold medals.
Watch: Sir Peter Snell hands over his Olympic memorabilia to Te Papa
Sir Peter discusses why he donated his sporting memorabilia to Te Papa, and what he hopes people will take away from the exhibition.
Sport in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific
Professional and community-level sport has a long history in Aotearoa New Zealand from team sports to individual achievements. Read about rugby, running, racing, and rowing, along with political crossovers like the 81 tour, international firsts like the Britten Bike, Olympic champions like Peter Snell, and life before the All Blacks.
Who was Arthur Lydiard?
Arthur Lydiard (1917-2004) was a marathon runner and groundbreaking athletics coach.
Browse our Olympics objects on Collections Online
From the 1928 New Zealand Olympic Team, Brian Brake's 1956 Melbourne Olympics photos, to Rob Waddell's rowing skiff from the 2000 Sydney Olympics, browse our Olympic taonga (treasures) on Collections Online.
New Zealand’s champion swimmer who needed a chaperone because she was a single woman
Senior Curator New Zealand Culture & History Claire Regnault uncovers the story of Gladys Pidgeon, New Zealand’s sole female representative at the first Empire Games, who was not allowed to travel alone.