International Amateur Athletic Federation World Record plaque

This International Amateur Athletic Federation World Record plaque was awarded to New Zealand athlete Peter Snell for his record winning mile in Whanganui on 27 January 1962. His time was 3 minutes and 54.4 seconds.

Sir Peter Snell

Sir Peter Snell (1938-2019) was one of the world’s greatest athletes in one of the world’s most admired sports – middle-distance running. In 2000 he was named New Zealand’s Sports Champion of the 20th Century. During his running career he won three Olympic gold medals (at Rome in 1960 and Tokyo in 1964), two British Empire and Commonwealth Games gold medals (at Perth in 1962), and set six world records. In 2002 he was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport, becoming Sir Peter in 2009.Snell was a pupil of the master coach Arthur Lydiard who was responsible for the finest era in New Zealand athletics from 1951-66.

Design

The award features classical imagery of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and laurel leaves. Laurel has long been a symbol of victory and achievement.