Athletics legend Sir Peter Snell says he was overwhelmed with the reception as he handed over his personal collection to Te Papa.
Peter Snell speaking at the reception. Photo: RNZ / Bridget Tunnicliffe
The donation included two Olympic gold medals, those from the 800m in the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, and one of the two medals won by Snell at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Also gifted was a shoe Sir Peter wore when he won in Rome.
Sir Peter Snell shoe. Photo: Mike O'Neill Te Papa.
Snell, 78, moved to the United States almost 50 years ago but said the ceremony made him feel very much wanted by New Zealand.
"It was very moving and I can't really express enough my appreciation for what has happened here today ... it's really fantastic and makes me feel very much wanted."
Photo: RNZ / Bridget Tunnicliffe
Snell said he was unaware Te Papa would be interested in his collection until he learnt it had bid $122,500 for a singlet he had supposedly worn at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
The singlet was subsequently withdrawn from sale by the auction house after the museum raised doubts about its authenticity.
"I'm actually honoured that they were interested and I wouldn't have known had they not bid all that money for the singlet, so once I knew about that I made the offer ... I can't think of anything better than (the collection going to) Te Papa.
Peter Snell wins the 800m at the Rome Olympics. Photo: No metadata