Gymnastics Icon Jim Hartung, Key to U.S. Gold, Dies at 65

Jim Hartung, a celebrated gymnast and two-time Olympian, passed away on January 10 at the age of 65. His death occurred at his residence in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a heart attack cited as the cause. Hartung was instrumental in the United States’ only gold medal in men’s team gymnastics during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Early Life and Career

Born on June 7, 1960, in Omaha, Nebraska, Jim Hartung was drawn to gymnastics at an early age. His father constructed a makeshift gym in their backyard, nurturing his passion. Hartung attended South High School in Omaha, where he excelled, earning 18 state titles and three all-around titles in gymnastics.

College Achievements

Hartung attended the University of Nebraska, where he secured seven NCAA individual gymnastics titles, tying for the national career record. He contributed to the Cornhuskers’ four consecutive national championships from 1979 to 1982. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1983.

Olympic Glory in 1984

His most notable achievement came at the 1984 Olympics. The U.S. men’s gymnastics team faced tough competition, particularly from China, the reigning world champions. When the Americans were leading by a narrow margin of six-tenths of a point, Hartung encouraged his teammates to take risks instead of playing it safe.

• Scott Johnson scored 9.5 after a difficult landing.
• Hartung scored 9.80, despite a dislocated finger.
• Mitch Gaylord achieved a remarkable 9.95.
• Tim Daggett earned a perfect score of 10 on his routine.
• Peter Vidmar executed a double somersault with a score of 9.95.

The U.S. team ultimately secured victory over China with a score of 591.40 to 590.80, marking a historic moment in gymnastics. This achievement remains the only Olympic gold medal in men’s team gymnastics for the United States.

Post-Olympics and Coaching Career

Following his retirement after the 1984 Olympics, Hartung dedicated himself to coaching and judging international gymnastics competitions. He served as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska for nearly two decades, even after battling throat cancer.

Diagnosed with the illness in 2010, Hartung underwent radiation treatment that severely impacted his health. Despite the challenges, he continued coaching using alternative methods of communication.

Legacy and Personal Life

Jim Hartung’s personal legacy includes his daughter, Hannah, and three sons: Jim, Nick, and Jake. He is also survived by siblings Laura, John, and Jeff. Hartung’s commitment to gymnastics and his resilience through adversity earned him accolades, including induction into the U.S.A. Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

His teammates remember him as a dependable and loyal player, with Peter Vidmar highlighting Hartung’s crucial role in the 1984 gold medal victory.