Alex Jackson

Although born in Dublin, freestyle swimmer Alex Jackson lived on the Isle of Man after her father became a director of the island’s Majestic Hotel. Jackson was coached by her mother, a former schoolgirl swimming champion, and in 1962 the 10-year-old Alex won the Fenella Cup at the Peel Swimming Gala, beating adult opponents to win the trophy. She retained the trophy in 1963 with her sister Karen in second place. Alex won it again in 1965.

Having won four junior Irish titles in 1966, Jackson followed that by finishing second in the girls 110 yards at the English National Championships at Blackpool. She made her international début against Spain at Wigan in 1967, and that year Jackson won the first of six senior ASA titles when she won the 110 yards, which she won four years in succession 1967-70, adding the 220 in 1968 and 1970.

Jackson was selected for the 1968 Mexico Olympics and competed in the 100, 200, 4x100 free, and 4x100 medley relays, reaching three finals (all except the 200). On her way to the 100 final, Jackson broke the British record in winning her first-round heat in 1:00.50.

At the 1970 Edinburgh British Commonwealth Games Jackson won a bronze medal in the 200 metres in a British record 2:13.52, and in doing so she became the first Manxwoman to win a Commonwealth Games medal. Jackson followed that success by winning another bronze medal, in the 100, at that year’s European Championships in Barcelona.

Jackson announced her retirement from competitive swimming in October 1971 at the age of 20. She qualified as a home massage and beauty therapy practitioner, and after marrying Isle of Man chartered accountant John Solly in 1977 the pair became directors of several UK and international companies.