Kerry O'Brien (athlete)
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's athletics | ||
Representing  Australia | ||
| Representing Australia | ||
| Commonwealth Games | ||
.svg.png){kind=icon} | 1966 Kingston | 3000 m Steeple |
Kerry O'Brien (born 17 April 1946) is a former track and field athlete from Australia, who competed in the middle-distance running events. He was born in Port Augusta, South Australia. He represented his native country at two consecutive Commonwealth Games from 1966 and two Summer Olympics from 1968.[1]
O'Brien was the world record holder in the men's 3,000 metres steeplechase for more than two years (1970–1972), setting a time of 8:21.98 at Berlin on 4 July 1970.[2] At the 1970 Commonwealth Games, O'Brien fell at the final water-jump, while leading, and failed to finish the race.[1] He also fell during the 1972 Olympics. He retired in 1973 with a total of nine Australian Championships to his credit. He won one cross country title, one 5000 metres title and seven steeplechase championships.[1]
International competitions
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | British Empire and Commonwealth Games | Kingston, Jamaica | 8th | 1 mile |
| British Empire and Commonwealth Games | Kingston, Jamaica | 2nd | 3000 m steeplechase | |
| 1968 | Olympic Games | Mexico City, Mexico | 4th | 3000 m steeplechase |
| 1969 | Pacific Conference Games | Tokyo, Japan | 1st | 3000 m steeplechase |
| 1970 | British Commonwealth Games | Edinburgh, Scotland | 8th | 10,000 m |
| British Commonwealth Games | Edinburgh, Scotland | DNF | 3000 m steeplechase | |
| 1972 | Olympic Games | Munich, West Germany | DNF | 3000 m steeplechase |
| 1973 | Pacific Conference Games | Toronto, Canada | 1st | 3000 m steeplechase |
References
| Records | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Vladimir Dudin |
Men's 3000 m steeplechase world record holder 4 July 1970 – 14 September 1972 |
Succeeded by Anders Gärderud |
| Sporting positions | ||
| Preceded by Jouko Kuha |
Men's 3000 m steeplechase best year performance 1970–1971 |
Succeeded by Anders Gärderud |