Parry O'Brien was born on January 19, 1932 in Santa Monica, California, USA. He was married to Terry Bakondi. He died on April 21, 2007 in Santa Clarita, California, USA.
At his peak, O'Brien won 116 consecutive competitions. He was the first shot-putter to exceed 60 feet and extended the world record from 59 feet, 3/4 inch in 1953 to 63 feet, 4 inches in 1959, raising it 16 times.
Died from a heart attack midway through a 500-yard freestyle masters swimming race. He took up swimming in the 1990s when shot-putting became too painful for his joints.
Elected to the United States Olympic Hall of Fame (1984).
Elected to the United States Track and Field Hall of Fame (1974).
Won the Sullivan Award (1959) as the United States' outstanding amateur athlete.