Parry O'Brien 1932-2007 Track & Field Olympian; Masters Swimmer
Former Member
It is with great sadness that I let you know that Parry O'Brien, a member of Southwest Masters of the Southern Pacific LMSC passed away yesterday at the SPMA Short Course Regional Championships in Santa Clarita. He suffered a heart attack about half way through his 500 yd freestyle. His wife, Terry, was counting for him.
Parry O'Brien is best know to the world as a champion shot putter. His innovative technique is in use today, and gave him gold medals in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics and a silver in 1960. He placed 4th in 1964.
Parry is best known to me as the guy competing in the 200 fly a lane or two over from me. He has been a member of United States Masters Swimming since 1987.
Besides a great athlete, Parry was a friendly, wonderful guy. He knew of my husband's interest in his track and field career, and included several signed cards when he sent his 2007 registration to me.
We will miss you, Parry, and we extend our sincerest sympathy to your family and friends.
Julie Heather
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Swimatlanta lost a dear teammate, Bob Miller, this fall to a massive heart attack during practice despite CPR being administered immediately and VERY fast EMS response - the firehouse is accross the street from the pool. There was not an AED at the pool. We are currently doing a fundraiser to purchase one. The cardiologist said that if Bob had not been swimming, he would have died at a much earlier age due to the massive blockage that he had.
I hope Parry's friends and family will find comfort knowing he died doing what he loved and probably a lot later than he would have if he had not been swimming.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Swimatlanta lost a dear teammate, Bob Miller, this fall to a massive heart attack during practice despite CPR being administered immediately and VERY fast EMS response - the firehouse is accross the street from the pool. There was not an AED at the pool. We are currently doing a fundraiser to purchase one. The cardiologist said that if Bob had not been swimming, he would have died at a much earlier age due to the massive blockage that he had.
I hope Parry's friends and family will find comfort knowing he died doing what he loved and probably a lot later than he would have if he had not been swimming.
