Olympian Lady Mary Peters receives Freedom of City of London

Lady Mary’s sporting career also saw her win medals in shot put and pentathlon for Northern Ireland at three Commonwealth Games, set some 25 British records and serve as GB women’s athletics team manager from 1979 to 1984, covering the Moscow and Los Angeles Olympics.

In 1975, she established The Mary Peters Trust in Belfast, which provides funding for young athletes from disabled and able-bodied sports to help them develop careers in their chosen sports.

Her work has been recognised with honours including being appointed MBE, Dame Commander of the British Empire and The Most Noble Order of the Garter as a Lady Companion.

Professor Mainelli said Lady Mary had both earned a place in sporting history but also for her work supporting and inspiring young athletes.

“Such hard and committed work, both on and away from the athletics track, is eminently worthy of recognition and our admiration,” he said.

Sir William Russell said the freedom award was “richly deserved, not just for Mary’s sporting achievements, but also for her charitable work with young people who have been inspired by her and want to achieve their own goals”.

Other recent high-profile recipients of the Freedom of City of London include Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Hamilton actor and musician Giles Terera and England football captain Harry Kane.