Category
Athlete
Sport
Athletics
Hometown
Fredericton
Year Inducted
2023
Peter Richardson
HONOURED MEMBER
Biography
Peter Richardson, a track and field runner from Fredericton, achieved an impressive record collection during the 1970s. Between 1971 and 1976, he set 10 national records in the 800- and 1,500-meter distances. In addition, he won the Canadian cross-country championship in 1971 and earned a silver medal in 1974. He won gold in the 1,500m and silver in the 800m at the 1973 Canada Games. He set Canadian records in four events in 1972 and nine provincial records from 1974 to 1976, three of which are still unbroken. He was also an All-Canadian in the University Cross Country Championship in 1974. Richardson was unbeatable in the 1,500 meters for 12 years, from 1971 to 1983, winning every race, indoor or outdoor, in Atlantic Canada. He was a podium finisher 15 times at international meets from 1974 to 1977, including a world-record time on a short board track at the Montreal Forum. Although pre-selected for the Canadian Olympic team in 1976, he had to withdraw due to injury during final Olympic trials.
Inducted into the New Brunswick Sports hall of Fame June 10, 2023.
Quick Facts
Set the world fastest time of 3:45 on short board track in the 1,500m in Great Britain.
Won the Canadian Games 1,500m gold medal and 800m silver medal in 1973.
Pre-selected for the Canadian Olympic Team in 1976, but an injury prevented him from competing.
Undefeated in 1,500m races for 12 years between 1971 and 1983, in Atlantic Canada.