Former Olympian Jimmy Heuga Dies of Respiratory Problems

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Updated: 4:03 AM Feb 9, 2010 Former Olympian Jimmy Heuga Dies of Respiratory Problems BOULDER, Colo. BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Former Olympic skier Jimmie Heuga, who won a bronze medal in 1964 as part of the first United States team to bring home Alpine medals from the winter games, has died. Posted: 12:50 AM Feb 9, 2010 Reporter: AP Email Address: sports@kolotv.com

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BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Former Olympic skier Jimmie Heuga, who won
a bronze medal in 1964 as part of the first United States team to bring home Alpine medals from the winter games, has died. He was 66.

University of Colorado ski coach Richard Rokos, a longtime and close friend of Heuga's, says the former NCAA champion for CU died Monday at Boulder Community Hospital.

Heuga had been battling multiple sclerosis for the last 40 years. Rokos says Heuga had recently been dealing with respiratory problems.

Heuga finished third in the slalom at the Olympic Game in Innsbruck in '64. Fellow American Billy Kidd won the silver, marking the rise of U.S. skiing to national prominence.

Heuga, born in Squaw Valley, Calif., won the 1963 NCAA championship in the slalom.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Suzanne Location: Hollywood on Mar 9, 2010 at 12:59 PM

Jimmy will be remembered for his skiing passion on and off the course. I fondly remember the days he and Billy Kidd would have us lace up our leather ski boots and hike up and down the stadium stairs by the University of Colorado football field. We called it exercise... Jimmy called it fun! He always had a smile on his face when he shared his passion for skiing!

Posted by: Mary K Location: Truckee on Feb 13, 2010 at 05:32 AM

Jimmy was an inspiring man, he refused to listen to the doctors after his diagnosis with MS. The doctors told him to give up his athletic lifestyle. He refused and thru his refusal a whole new way of treating MS is now used. His life after MS was never easy yet he chose every day to make it count.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Encinitas, CA on Feb 12, 2010 at 12:26 PM

Not only was Jimmy a wonderful athelete, he inspired me through his "Can Do" program. I too have Multiple Sclerosis. It was his phone call when I was diagnosed as secondary progressive to go on and enjoy this life we've been given. I was blessed to be able to leave my wheel chair and cane behind. I know it has much to do with Jimmy's advice and the positive way he looked at life and strived to keep going on in the best way we can. Thank you, Jimmy. You will be missed here on earth, but not forgotten. Love to you, Lisa

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