Peter Vassella

Peter Vassella was an Australian track sprinter who set multiple national records during the 1960s. Vassella won his first medal at the Australian championships in 1960 with silver in the 220 yards. In the same event he won another silver in the following year before winning his only national title in 1962. A consistent performer at the national championships, he also won silver medals in the 100 yards and the 440 yards. Despite being the Australian champion in the 220 yards he failed to qualify for the 1962 British Empire Games after suffering an injury at the national trials. Two years later, however, Vassella ran in the 400 metres at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics where he finished seventh in the final. He was married to fellow athlete Marilyn Black, who won bronze in the 200 metres at the Tokyo Games.

Personal Best: 400 – 46.32 (1964).