Jimmy O'Brien

As a student at St. Patrick’s College (later incorporated into Carleton University), Jimmy O’Brien was a member of the institution’s hockey team and was also a reserve player with the Toronto Argonauts Canadian football squad, having played the amateur version of the game with the Toronto Navy. It was track and field athletics, however, where he was most successful, and he earned titles as an intercollegiate sprinting champion for several years. Joining the Toronto West End YMCA after his 1947 graduation, he finished 2nd in the 100 m at the trials for the 1948 Summer Olympics, behind Jack Parry (who would end up missing the Games due to an injury). In London, he was eliminated in the opening round of that event after coming in third behind American Mel Patton and Ivan Hausen of Brazil. He also competed in the 4x100 m relay, alongside Don McFarlane, Don Pettie, and Ted Haggis, placing fifth in the final. On the Canadian year lists, O’Brien was second in the 100 yards in 1946 and equal first in 1947. O’Brien retired from active competition a few years after the Games.

Personal Best: 100 – 10.6 (1948).