SANTA CLARITA, California, April 23. FOR the second time this weekend, the swimming world mourns the passing of one of its own. Parry O'Brien, 75, who made his Olympic mark as a shot-putter with 17 world records in that sport, turned to Masters swimming as another way of answering his competitive calling in the late 1980s.
During his latest competition, a 500 freestyle event at the SPMA Short Course Regional Championships held in Santa Clarita, Calif., O'Brien suffered a heart attack halfway through the event with his wife, Terry, watching on as his counter.
O'Brien, a University of Southern California graduate, remained close to home as he lived with his in Rancho Belago. He is survived by two daughters, two stepsons and seven grandchildren.
Swimming World Magazine sends its condolences to all those currently grieving O'Brien's passing.