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Kennaugh Disappointed with Post Box Repaint
The Olympian has said he wasn’t asked, despite reports elsewhere that his family were consulted.
Olympic gold medalist Peter Kennaugh has said he is disappointed that the Post Office has decided to repaint a post box dedicated to his London 2012 win.
Onchan’s central post box was painted gold after Kennaugh became the first Manxman in 100 years to win Olympic gold.
However, with the Post Office going round refurbishing postboxes, the decision was made to paint it red again.
Manx Radio has reported that Kennaugh’s family and Onchan Commissioners were consulted ahead of the paint job.
However, speaking to Gef, Pete, whose dad was a postman for 37 years, said: ‘My kids weren’t born when I did the Olympics, so we get to drive past it everyday, they post their letters to Santa in it and I get to tell them the Olympic story.
‘Obviously that’s a selfish reason to keep it going but it’s a really nice memory that I get to relive every time I pass it with the kids. But also I’d like to think it was inspiring for any others if they asked why it’s gold “because so and so won a gold medal in 2012”, that alone could inspire someone to get on a bike or take up a sport, at least in my mind. Sentimentally, that’s why I feel it’s a bit of a shame.’
Gef has contacted the gov and Isle of Man Post Office for comment.
