4 Apr 2017

Snell's gold to go on display

6:37 pm on 4 April 2017

Olympic gold medialist Sir Peter Snell will donate some of his medals to the national museum, Te Papa, to put on display.

Peter Snell wins gold at the Rome Olympics for the mens 800m, 1960.

Peter Snell wins gold at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, for the men's 800m Photo: Photosport

The former middle-distance runner will donate two Olympic gold medals, along with 12 other items including a shoe he wore when he won gold at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

Peter Snell's gold medals from the Rome, left, and Tokyo Olympics (1960 and 1964)

The two gold medals Photo: Mike O'Neill / Te Papa

Medals from wins at the Commonwealth Games are included, along with trophies and badges.

The items will be handed to Te Papa on 18 April and will be on display until 23 July.

Te Papa chief executive Rick Ellis said he was humbled by Sir Peter's decision to donate the items to the national collection.

"Te Papa is incredibly excited to receive these pieces of our sporting history and be able to share them with New Zealanders," he said.

"As well as seeing these items up close and personal in the museum, Te Papa can bring Peter Snell's story to life, using video and digital storytelling."

A shoe Peter Snell wore when he won gold at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

The golden shoe - worn at the 1960 Olympics in Rome Photo: Mike O'Neill / Te Papa