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 Jimmie Heuga
September 23, 1943 - February 4, 2010
Jimmie Heuga, one of America’s first Olympic medalists in alpine skiing died February 4 after a decades-long fight with multiple sclerosis.
Pepi Steigler won the race at the Innsbruck 1964 Olympics, Billy Kidd took the silver and Heuga won bronze. He was diagnosed a few years later at age 26 while still competing and used the toughness and perseverance that made him a ski champion to fight multiple sclerosis.
He founded the Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis and spearheaded the philosophy of using physical activity and motivation to combat the effects of the disease. Although he is remembered for his bronze medal performance, his real legacy is in his contributions to the fight against MS.
His team-mate and life-long friend Billy Kidd said, “Jimmie’s accomplishments on the race course will forever be remembered. But it is his accomplishments and drive in the fight against MS that will continue to help so many people live their lives. His life is an inspiration.” Jimmie Heuga was 66. |
