FORMER British Olympic champion Dame Mary Peters stopped by to join residents in Petworth for a spot of lunch and an informal chat.
The pentathlon gold medallist at the 1972 Olympic Games attended afternoon tea at Morgan Court’s Later Living complex on Frimley Road to share stories about her career as one of Britain’s best-known track and field athletes.
After giving a speech about her experiences both as an Olympian and an ambassador for the sport, Mary took the opportunity to relax in the lounge and chat to the audience, before taking a tour.
Julie Ward, of McCarthy & Stone, the company which owns the complex, said: “Dame Mary continues to be an inspiration for the older generation and is a shining example of someone who appreciates that age is something to be celebrated and enjoyed.
“Many of the people who live at Morgan Court still fondly remember her achievements at the Olympics in Munich, so it was a real honour for them to be able to not only meet her, but welcome her into their homes. It was a fabulous afternoon for everyone who attended, and one I’m sure we will all treasure for a long time to come.”
She was an Olympic competitor in shot put as well as the pentathlon, plus Mary represented Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games between 1958 and 1974.
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