JIm Hartung, one of the greatest Nebraska athletes ever and a two-time Olympian in men’s gymnastics, died at 65 years of age Saturday. Hartung had served as an assistant coach for Nebraska men’s gymnastics for the past 19 seasons, first under legendary coach Francis Allen, then under Chuck Chmelka.
Hartung propelled the Cornhuskers to four team national championships in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982. He earned 22 All-America honors and seven individual national championships during his Nebraska career, earning the NCAA individual all-around national championship in 1981 and 1982. Hartung closed his Husker career by winning the Emery-Nissen Award in 1982.
From there, Hartung helped the 1984 U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal, to date the only time the United States men’s gymnastics team has won the gold. Hartung was also slated to compete for the U.S. Olympic team in 1980, but that United States delegation boycotted the Moscow Olympics.
After his distinguished competition career, Hartung served as a coach, first as a visitation coach for the U.S. National team, then, beginning in 2006, for the Nebraska men’s gymnastics program. Hartung was in the inaugural class of the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Nebraska Athletic Department said in a statement, “The Nebraska Athletic Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of assistant men’s gymnastics coach Jim Hartung on Saturday night. Our condolences go out to Jim’s family, friends, and everyone he has impacted during his remarkable life in gymnastics from a national champion athlete at Nebraska to an Olympic gold medalist to a successful coach. Jim is a true Husker legend and his impact on the sport of gymnastics will carry on for decades to come. Our department will provide all available resources and support for our men’s gymnastics student-athletes and coaching staff during this very difficult time.”
Hartung leaves behind his four children: Jim, Nick, Jake and Hannah.
Information on services, memorials and other arrangements will be shared as they become available.
