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
Parents
Former Member
Parry was a great human, he touched all of us with his class. His wife was always there at every swim meet supporting Parry.
When I first met him at a swim meet, I mentioned when I was in high school I tried the shot put, and it was the style of Parry O'brien I learned from books. He smiled and made me feel at ease.
Parry taught me a valuable lesson many years ago. Parry loved the 50 butterfly, he nearly washed his competitors over the lane lines when he dived in. I knew he was getting ready to do his 50 fly, he was pouring over several pages of a legal sized yellow pad. I asked him what he was doing, and he showed me several pages filled with all the things he wanted to do during the 50 fly. Just imagine perhaps 75 things he listed just for 50 yards of butterfly!
I was amazed, here was a secret of how an Olympic Champion prepares.
I tried it for my breaststroke races, starting with about 10 things and gradually working up to nearly 50 items.
I challenge everyone to emulate Parry, try coming up with 25 items you want to do during one race. It's not easy.
Parry will always be in my heart.
Parry was a great human, he touched all of us with his class. His wife was always there at every swim meet supporting Parry.
When I first met him at a swim meet, I mentioned when I was in high school I tried the shot put, and it was the style of Parry O'brien I learned from books. He smiled and made me feel at ease.
Parry taught me a valuable lesson many years ago. Parry loved the 50 butterfly, he nearly washed his competitors over the lane lines when he dived in. I knew he was getting ready to do his 50 fly, he was pouring over several pages of a legal sized yellow pad. I asked him what he was doing, and he showed me several pages filled with all the things he wanted to do during the 50 fly. Just imagine perhaps 75 things he listed just for 50 yards of butterfly!
I was amazed, here was a secret of how an Olympic Champion prepares.
I tried it for my breaststroke races, starting with about 10 things and gradually working up to nearly 50 items.
I challenge everyone to emulate Parry, try coming up with 25 items you want to do during one race. It's not easy.
Parry will always be in my heart.
