Kerry O'Brien (athlete)

Kerry O'Brien
O'Brien in 1971
Personal information
Born(1946-04-17)17 April 1946
Died13 December 2025(2025-12-13) (aged 79)
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)
Medal record
Representing  Australia
Commonwealth Games
1966 Kingston Steeplechase

Kerry Dennis O'Brien (17 April 1946 – 13 December 2025) was an 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. O'Brien died on 13 December 2025, at the age of 79.