Decorated Husker and Olympic gymnast dies

One of the most decorated men’s gymnasts in Nebraska history died Saturday night.

Jim Hartung was 65 years old. The university did not cite a cause of death.

“The Nebraska Athletic Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of assistant men’s gymnastics coach Jim Hartung on Saturday night,” the department said in a statement. "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."

Hartung won the NCAA all-around titles in 1981 and 1982, part of seven NCAA individual titles during his career from 1979 to 1982. He also amassed 22 All-America awards. During his time at NU, the Huskers won two national championships.

Hartung was a two-time member of the United States Olympic team, helping the U.S. to its first and only team gold medal at the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympic Games.

He was a member of the inaugural Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2015 and was a part of the first College Gymnastics Association Hall of Fame Class in 2024.

For the past 19 seasons, Hartung had served as an assistant coach for the Husker men’s gymnastics program.

“Jim is a true Husker legend and his impact on the sport of gymnastics will carry on for decades to come,” the statement said. “Our department will provide all available resources and support for our men’s gymnastics student-athletes and coaching staff during this very difficult time.”

The department said information on services, memorials and other arrangements will be shared as they become available.