Bob Birrell

Joseph Robert Birrell (6 March 1938 – 21 March 2024) was a British sprint hurdler and coach, who competed at the 1960 Summer Olympics.

Early life and education Birrell was from Roose, in Barrow-in-Furness. After attending Barrow Grammar School on scholarship, he went to Manchester University. He started running in childhood and competed for Barrow AC and at university, initially as a sprinter, then in the hurdles and other field events.

Athletics career Birrell was a seven times winner of the Northern Counties senior 120 yards hurdles,

Birrell finished third behind Ghulam Raziq in the 120 yards event at the 1960 AAA Championships. Later that year, he represented Great Britain in the men's 110 metres hurdles at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.

In 1961, Birrell won the 'City of Hull' trophy for the best performance at the Northern Counties championships He also competed for Great Britain in the men's 110 metres hurdles at the 1962 European Athletics Championships in Belgrade, He served as president and secretary of the Lancashire Men's Athletic Association and was elected president of Liverpool Harriers in 2003.

Joe Birrell was his older brother.