Kerry O'Brien (athlete)

Kerry Dennis O'Brien (born 17 April 1946) is a retired Australian runner. Competing in the steeplechase he won a silver medal at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and finished fourth at the 1968 Summer Olympics. He held the world record in this event between 1970 and 1972. At the 1970 Commonwealth Games, O'Brien fell at the penultimate water-jump, while leading, and failed to finish the race. He also fell during the 1972 Olympics. He retired in 1973 having won nine Australian titles in the steeplechase, 5000 m and cross-country running.[4]

Kerry O'Brien
O'Brien in 1971
Personal information
Born17 April 1946 (1946-04-17) (age 78)
Port Augusta, South Australia
Height180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight70 kg (154 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
Event(s)Mile-10,000 m, steeplechase
ClubUTEP Miners, El Paso
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)5000 m – 13:37.2 (1970)
10,000 m – 28:43.6 (1969)
3000 mS – 8:21.98 (1970)[1][2][3]
Medal record
Representing  Australia
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal – second place 1966 Kingston Steeplechase

International competitions

YearCompetitionVenuePositionNotes
1966British Empire and Commonwealth GamesKingston, Jamaica8th1 mile
2nd3000 m steeplechase
1968Olympic GamesMexico City, Mexico4th3000 m steeplechase
1969Pacific Conference GamesTokyo, Japan1st3000 m steeplechase
1970British Commonwealth GamesEdinburgh, Scotland8th10,000 m
DNF3000 m steeplechase
1972Olympic GamesMunich, West GermanyDNF3000 m steeplechase
1973Pacific Conference GamesToronto, Canada1st3000 m steeplechase

References

Records
Preceded by
Vladimir Dudin
Men's 3000 m steeplechase
world record holder

4 July 1970 – 14 September 1972
Succeeded by
Sporting positions
Preceded by Men's 3000 m steeplechase
best year performance

1970–1971
Succeeded by