Jody Alderson

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameJoan "Jody"•Alderson (-Braskamp)
Used nameJody•Alderson
Born5 March 1935 in Chicago, Illinois (USA)
Died14 February 2021
Measurements170 cm / 59 kg
AffiliationsChicago Town Club, Chicago (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 1

Biography

Jody Alderson won the 100 freestyle at the 1952 Olympic Trials but struggled in Helsinki and finished only fifth at the Olympics, although she won a bronze medal in the relay. In 1952 she swam anchor on the American record setting 4x100 freestyle relay team. She also won AAU titles in the 4x100 free relay in 1952-53 indoors, swimming in 1952 for the Chicago Town Club and in 1953 for the Community Builders Swim Club, while attending the University of Illinois. In 1954 Alderson won the AAU 100 freestyle both indoors and out, and later that year married Bernard Braskamp, Jr., son of the chaplain of the House of Representatives. They at first lived in Greenwich, Connecticut and raised two boys, John Bernard and Andrew Case, but moved many times for her husband’s career, and eventually settled in Stuart, Florida in 1992, where Alderson-Braskamp became involved in community service. She has served on the board of the Treasure Coast Hospice and in 2000 received the Community Service Award from the Garden Club of Stuart.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1952 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) USA Jody Alderson
100 metres Freestyle, Women (Olympic) 5
4 × 100 metres Freestyle Relay, Women (Olympic) United States 3 Bronze

Errata

Incorrectly listed in several sources as Alderson-Rosazza, confusing her with Joan Rosazza who swam on the 1956 US Olympic team.