Sir Peter Snell to donate gold medals to Te Papa ahead of World Masters Games

Peter Snell (centre) stands on the podium after winning gold in the 1500m at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Josef Odlozil (Czechoslovakia) was second, and Kiwi John Davies third. Photo / File

Olympic legend Sir Peter Snell will donate his gold medals to Te Papa when he arrives in New Zealand to compete at the World Masters Games.

The triple gold medallist will hand over two gold medals he won at the 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo games, as well as one of the track shoes he wore at the 1960 Games and signed by Kiwi running guru Arthur Lydiard.

Te Papa spokeswoman Kate Camp confirmed Sir Peter would donate the memorabilia at a ceremony in Wellington on April 18. The items would then be exhibited at the museum.

Sir Peter, 78, is travelling to New Zealand from his home in Dallas, Texas, to compete in table tennis with wife Miki at the World Masters Games.

The donation comes after Te Papa pulled the plug on buying the singlet Sir Peter wore at the 1964 Olympics because of doubts over its authenticity.

Cordy's auction house confirmed that it would not buy the singlet, which sold for $122,500 at auction last year.

Sir Peter then announced he would donate the medals.

At the time, Snell said the medals "really belong to New Zealand".

"I was representing New Zealand, they made it possible. I just happened to deliver. I've enjoyed having them for all these years."

Te Papa chief executive Rick Ellis said the museum would be thrilled to have the medals in its collection.

"These objects have an incredible story to tell about New Zealand's sporting history. We will continue to talk to Sir Peter about the opportunity. His generosity and goodwill are quite humbling."

Most famous for his heroics on the track in the 800m and and 1500m, Sir Peter will team up with his wife Miki and compete in table tennis at the World Masters Games.

Following his collapse on the racketball court six years ago and a subsequent cardiomyopathy diagnosis, he has taken up table tennis with his wife and they play and practise three times a week for two to three hours at a time.

"Both of us are very competitive and like to win, although against the Chinese who have been playing since they were kids, this is tough to do in Texas," he said.

In typical style, he and Miki have a winning record, finishing in the top four in the state championship in the 75-plus age category and qualifying for the US Championships.