Brian O’SULLIVAN
The Olympic Games coming to Melbourne was the main reason ‘Sull’ decided to give athletics a go. Brian joined in December 1956 – the Games finished on December 8th.
Joining on the same day as his good mate Terry Lanham, with whom he had played footy, Brian went on to play a big part in the fortunes of Collingwood Harriers for many years.
Brian didn’t confine his involvement to just ‘on track’, serving on both the general and social committees for some period. He also was elected track captain for a number of seasons and also played a role on the selection committee for some time.
Brian will always hold a special place in the history of the Club because of his participation in one of our only two A Grade Premiership teams. Brian was one of the hurdlers in that team, in those days run over 220 yards.
Competing until 1976, Brian had a tilt with the Veterans when they first formed and indeed won a silver medal in the 400 mts hurdles Pre Vets Championship, running second to Noel Clough, who some years before, had won a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal (1966) in the 880 yards.
Brian was made a Life Member of Collingwood Harriers in 1976 and has continued to support the Club in subsequent years. He has played a significant role in organising the social activities of the Life Members’ Association who do a lot of work behind the scenes supporting the Club.
Two of Brian’s younger brothers, John and Peter, also ran with the Club for short periods of time.
Brian and Terry are still the best of mates and their families have remained close through the years. Brian nowadays spends a lot of time on ‘grass’ with a regular game of golf and a very keen involvement with lawn bowls during the summer months.
August 2014