Kerry O’Brien, regarded as one of Australia’s and his home state of South Australia’s greatest ever distance runners, passed away peacefully on 13 December, aged 79. Kerry leaves behind an enduring legacy in the world of athletics – most notably as a world record holder.
Born in Quorn, South Australia in 1946, he spent much of his youth in Port Augusta where he competed with Port Augusta Harriers and upon moving to Adelaide he joined the Port Adelaide Athletic Club. After establishing himself in local and national competition he went on to represent Australia at the 1966 Kingston and 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, as well the 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Olympic Games. He also competed at the 1969 and 1973 editions of the Pacific Conference Games.
Kerry had a tremendous start to his international career at just 20 years of age, rising to athletics fame during the 1966 Commonwealth Games by winning the silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase. He was also highly successful on the US indoor circuit, setting an indoor world best for two miles in San Diego in 1971, where he ran a time of 8:19.2.
At the Mexico City Olympics, Kerry was fourth in the 3000m steeplechase and also competed at the Munich Games in 1972 where he unfortunately fell in his heat and did not finish – perhaps a consequence of his sometimes awkward clearance of the barriers. Sadly, a similar fate befell him at the second last water jump when leading the field at the 1970 Commonwealth Games – again he was unable to finish. Earlier in those Games, he had finished eighth in a high-quality edition of the 10,000 metres in 28.43.49.
But he was a standout performer in the steeplechase and there was also good news that year. Kerry set his world record in 1970, with a time of 8:21.98, which as the South Australian state record standing for an incredible 54 years before being surpassed in 2024. Kerry dominated the European circuit season, winning 15 of 16 races, one of which was his world record performance in West Berlin. His dominance did not go unnoticed and was awarded the Track Athlete of the Year as well as being chosen as the Helms Athletics Foundation’s recipient of its World Trophy for Australasia that year.
He won the gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the inaugural Pacific Conference Games in Tokyo, 1969, and four years later retained his title at the second Games in 1973.
Kerry retired in 1973, finishing up with nine Australian Championships to his name, including one cross country, one 5000m, and seven steeplechase titles.
Kerry would later become a fitness coach at the Port Adelaide Football Club, and Collingwood Football Club back when John Cahill was their coach.
Kerry’s contribution to Australian and international athletics was significant and enduring. His outstanding achievements were formally recognised with his induction into the Athletics SA Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Sport SA Hall of Fame in 2014.
His personal bests were 1500m – 3:45.2 (1969); 1 mile – 4:02.72 (1966); 3000m – 7:50.4 (1971); 2 miles – 8:19.2i (1971); 3 miles – 13:11.0 (1970); 5000m – 13:37.2 (1970); 6 miles – 27:47.6 (1967); 10000m – 28:43.50 (1970) crowned by his world record in the 3000m Steeple of 8:21.98 (1970)
The Australian Athletics family extends its condolences to Kerry’s family, friends and team-mates.
Prepared by Athletics SA and Sport SA with contribution from Paul Jenes OAM
