Passages: Jud Crawford, Ohio State Star and World University Games Gold Medalist, 51
Jud Crawford, a standout at Ohio State University and a World University Games gold medalist, died on April 6. He was 51 years old.
Crawford – full name Judson Crawford – swam in Columbus from 1990-93. He swept the Big Ten titles in the breaststroke events in 1992 and was an All-Big Ten selection in 1992 and 1993. He was also an All-American both years.
He won the men’s 100 breaststroke at the 1993 World University Games in Buffalo and was part of the gold-winning men’s 400 medley relay.
Crawford was a state champion in breaststroke in New Jersey for Morristown High School. He also won a national junior championship. In addition to his swimming honors, he was an Academic All Big 10 selection.
Crawford swam until age 28 before his retirement. He was a member of the national team and trained as a resident of the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He continued to speak to and mentor athletes with USA Swimming after his retirement. Crawford worked as a transportation logistics manager for various corporations and as an independent consultant.
He is survived by two sons, Hunter and Tyler. In lieu of donations, the family is asking for donations to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center Mental Health Support fund.