More on Peter Snell – Training and Racing

A while back, I posted Peter Snell’s training log leading up to his 1:44.3 800m world record.  Many of you know his coach was the legendary Arthur Lydiard (read Was Arthur Lydiard Right All Along?)

This National Film Unit classic from New Zealand tells Peter Snell’s story up to just prior to his triumph at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.  He had already won 800m gold in Rome and held the world record for the mile.

In the video, Snell’s gives some candid commentary as well as footage of training and racing, including priceless footage of Snell running in the Waiatarua hills, through bushes and leaping farm fences.   I’m not sure I would want to run through rural America today, unless I knew the farmers.

He quotes, "It always gives a feeling of exhilaration to run in the New Zealand all black singlet."

He offers insight into the methods of coach Arthur Lydiard (15 miles a day, 100 miles a week).

Here is a great video presented in two, 10 minute segments from New Zealand’s National Film Unit.  The link to Part 2 is on the right of their video page.

It’s a great piece of history and a great inspiration.

>> Click here for the video from NZ on Screen