Peters, Mary (1939–)

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Peters, Mary (1939–)

English-born Irish pentathlete. Name variations: Dame Mary Peters. Born Mary Elizabeth Peters, July 6, 1939, in Halewood, Lancashire, England.

At age 11, moved to Northern Ireland; represented Northern Ireland at Commonwealth Games (1958–74), winning a silver medal in shot put (1966), gold medal in shot put (1970), and gold in pentathlon (1974); represented Britain internationally (1961–74); won a gold medal in pentathlon at Munich Olympics (1972); set 25 British records (1962–72); campaigned for more sports facilities in Northern Ireland. Named Member of the British Empire (MBE, 1973), Commander of British Empire (CBE, 1994) and Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE, 2001).

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