The Olympic gold medallist Mary Peters has settled her High Court claim for damages against the Ark Life Assurance Co over its use of her photograph in a 1996 advertising campaign. The amount of the settlement was not revealed, but it is believed to be a substantial five-figure sum.
Another Olympic gold medal-winner, the British sprinter Linford Christie (40), gave evidence on behalf of Ms Peters, of Railway Street, Lurgan.
The action arose from an Ark Life advertising campaign in 1996 showing a number of historic events headed "Remember when . . ." The campaign featured the resignation of former US president Richard Nixon in 1973; the former Taoiseach, Mr Jack Lynch, signing Ireland's entry to the EEC in 1972; the first man on the moon; and Ms Peters following the presentation of Olympic gold for her victory in the women's pentathlon in Munich in 1972.
Apart from endorsing selected products, Ms Peters had contended that she had taken little or no commercial advantage of her reputation, but had planned to do so in 1977, the 25th anniversary of her victory.
She alleged that the Ark Life campaign, promoting pension products, was designed to take advantage of her personality, goodwill and reputation and was done without her consent.
While Ms Peters was giving evidence, a settlement was announced by her counsel, Mr Richard Nesbitt SC. He told Mr Justice Lavan that the matter had been settled amicably.
In her evidence Ms Peters said she had received a Texaco award following her 1972 success and had been presented with the Texaco Hall of Fame award on the 40th anniversary of the awards ceremony. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, had read the oration and she had been appointed by Ms Sile de Valera to the RTE Authority.