Mary Peters and the 1970s

Britain since 1945

Mary Peters gave British sport something to celebrate during a difficult decade for the country. She took Olympic gold in the pentathlon in 1972, one of the few outright highlights of a decade otherwise remembered for economic trouble at home.

Her contribution to sport did not stop when her own competing days ended. Mary Peters was later made a Dame of the British Empire, in recognition of the work she went on to do promoting sport and tourism in Northern Ireland.

What to remember

Key dates
Mary Peters winning an Olympic gold medal in the pentathlon1972

Peters later became a leading figure in Northern Ireland sport and tourism.

Who did what
Was made a Dame of the British Empire in 2000Mary Peters

For her work promoting sport and tourism in Northern Ireland.

Everything in Britain since 1945or the whole course, from the beginning