Photo: Unknown (Associated Press)—Public domain
Kerry O'Brien
- Born
- Apr 17, 1946 (80 years old)
- Birthplace
- Port Augusta, Australia
- Events
- 2 Miles Short Track · 3000 m steeplechase
- Height
- 1.80 m
- Weight
- 70 kg
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.
As of Nov 6, 2026: 2 Miles Short Track 8:19.2h, 3000 m steeplechase 8:21.98 (#446 all-time), 1973 season best 8:26.4h (Jul 3, 1973) · 80 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | 3000mSt | 8:26.4h | – | Jul 3, 1973 | – |
| 1972 | 2000m | 5:08.3h | – | Aug 11, 1972 | – |
| 1972 | 3000mSt | 8:25.6h | – | Jul 3, 1972 | – |
| 1972 | 5000m | 13:39.8h | – | Jun 28, 1972 | Warszawa (POL) |
| 1971 | 3000m | 7:50.4h | – | Jan 2, 1971 | – |
| 1971 | 2MilesShor | 8:19.2h | – | Feb 19, 1971 | – |
| 1971 | 3000mSt | 8:24.0h | – | Mar 4, 1971 | – |
| 1971 | 2Miles | 8:25.6h | – | Mar 27, 1971 | – |