The character in the Academy Award-winning film Chariots of fire (1981) was based on Arthur Porritt, who won a bronze medal for New Zealand in the 100 m at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Sir Arthur Espie Porritt (1967–72) was a transitional figure – New Zealand-born, but a British resident. He was the last Governor-General to wear the full civil uniform. In 1973, back in Britain, he was made Baron Porritt of Wanganui and Hampstead.
