Vale John O'Brien
Published Thu 14 May 2020
Water Polo Australia is saddened by the passing of dual Olympian John O'Brien. The former Richmond Club (Melbourne) member represented Australia in two Olympic Games at Melbourne 1956 and as captain in Tokyo 1960.
O'Brien back row, far right (Photo: WATER WARRIORS by Dr Tracy Rockwell)
Known as “Obie”, O'Brien was also a long standing representative for Victoria being selected continuously from 1953 to 1970, captaining the team from 1959 - 1968 and as coach 1967 - 1970.
O'Brien was named as a Life Member of the Victorian Water Polo Association and was a multiple Best and Fairest in the Victorian Water Polo Association’s Men’s Competition and coached the Richmond Water Polo Club for almost 20 years. In 2010, he was inducted into the Water Polo Australia Hall of Fame.
