1918-1996
Jennie Caputo was a gymnast who competed in the 1936 Olympics with the first US women’s gymnastic team. She won the all-around 1st prize in Olympic tryouts. She said of the Olympics, “Everything was grand, the ship, the people…everything! I didn’t have any trouble during the competition….Would I like to go back for the next Olympics? Just give me the chance!” The team placed 5th.
Later in 1936, Jennie won the national AAU gymnastics title. She was entered into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame 1992.
Jennu was a city and state champion at Central High as well as a track and field athlete, graduating Central in 1936 and previously attending Robert Treat Junior High.
The city planned to help fund her Olympic travel, but rescinded the funds due to anti-Nazi protests.
Jennie was working as a stenographer before leaving for the Olympics. She lived at 307 13th Ave. She had trained afternoons and nights in gymnastics.
Her married name was Pascuzzi.
Bibliography
“Jennie Pascuzzi Vaults Into Newark’s Hall” Star Ledger May 24, 1992
Central Yearbook Jan 1936, Newark Library
“Jennie Caputo Placed on Olympic Gym Team” Newark News May 11, 1936
“Jennie Caputo May Earn Title: Babe Didrikson of the East” Newark News Jul 19, 1935
“Jennie Wins AAU” Newark News Nov 22, 1936
“Miss Caputos Fund” Newark News July 17, 1936
“Winning an Olympic Berth” Newark News May 12, 1936
“Jennie Caputo Again Crowned” Newark News Apr 20, 1935
“Jennie Caputo Olympic Gym Home” Newark Sunday Call May 3, 1936
“Jennie Caputo Back From Berlin” Sunday Call Aug 30, 1936
“Newark Olympic Star Wed” Newark News Sept 22, 1943