17 Facts About Parry O'Brien

William Patrick "Parry" O'Brien was an American shot put champion.

Parry O'Brien competed in four consecutive Summer Olympics where he won two gold medals and one silver medal.

Parry O'Brien was then awarded an athletic scholarship in football to the University of Southern California.

Parry O'Brien won the 16-pound shot put competition at the 1949 CIF California State Meet.

Parry O'Brien finished in third place that year putting the standard 12-pound shot for high schoolers.

Parry O'Brien then decided to concentrate on track and field, for the shot put and the discus throw.

When Parry O'Brien began throwing the shot, the standard method was to rock back on one leg, swing the other in front for balance, hop forward and propel the iron ball forward.

Parry O'Brien instead began by facing the back of the circle.

Parry O'Brien then turned 180 degrees, using the spin to generate momentum and help him throw the shot greater distances.

Parry O'Brien held the world record from 1953 to 1959.

Parry O'Brien won nine consecutive national indoor shot put championships, and he won eight overall outdoors, including five in a row.

In 1964, Parry O'Brien was the flag bearer for the American Olympic Team at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Parry O'Brien entered the National Track and Field Hall of Fame of the United States in 1974.

Parry O'Brien was chosen for the US Olympic Hall of Fame in 1984, and then the University of Southern California Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

Parry O'Brien died at 75, of a heart attack in the 500-yard freestyle swimming pool at the Santa Clarita Aquatics club while he was competing in a Southern Pacific Masters Association regional swimming competition.

Parry O'Brien was survived by his wife Terri, stepsons Erik Skorge and Norman Skorge, and daughters Shauna and Erin.

Parry O'Brien was previously married to Sandra Cordrey and Arden Arena.