Skiing Lost A Legend

Skiing lost a legend. Billy Kidd lost a close friend. The world gained an example of courage, positive attitude and a “can do” spirit.

Jimmy Heuga passed away in Boulder at the age of 66. He left a legacy for the skiing world, Olympic record books and a tender spot in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Jimmy Heuga and Billy Kidd made Olympic history as the first two American skiers to medal in the same event in the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics. Jimmy Heuga earned the bronze medal and Billy Kidd earned the silver medal. The two men have competitors and friends since their early days on the CU ski team in the early 1960s.

http://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/feb/08/skiing-star-ms-champion-jimmie-heuga-dies/ displays a wonderful article of the close friendship and historic pictures. Steamboat was my home for 29 years. Billy Kidd is one of the finest, most gentle and professional men I have ever had the privilege to meet. Jimmy Heuga embodied so many wonderful character traits; no wonder these two men were such dear friends.

When we look at Lance Armstrong’s battle with cancer and his comeback to victory, we smile in tribute. Lance continues to work for a cure for cancer. Jimmy Heuga held his spirits high and continued to work to eradicate the disease of multiple sclerosis. These men set the example for all athletes and all people to follow.

“In Steamboat there is a tradition of touching the tip of your ski pole to the nose of the statue of Buddy Werner at the top of Buddy’s Run. This tribute honors a great skier and a great man. Jimmy, you touched our hearts and we salute you with our ski poles; we pay tribute to a great skier and a great man.” (Article in Wolf Creek Examiner)

In this day of economic unrest, professional athletes in trouble with the police, and whining by the citizens, this display of courage, professionalism and living out loud represents an example we can all embrace with pride.

Looking at the discipline, endurance and dedication of true gentlemen and athletic heroes such as Jimmy Heuga, Lance Armstrong and Billy Kidd bring a smile of pride to all of us. These men not only stood in the limelight but stand tall in the eyes of all as examples.

Gratitude swells in our hearts as we appreciate our wonderful country, our abundance, our health and opportunities to live and achieve. Regardless of our current circumstances, we still possess an abundance of opportunities to achieve and leave a positive legacy.

When we examine the physical and mental endurance required to live with or overcome serious disease, it dissolves any possible excuse any of us may have for whining about our minor inconveniences.

Where are you in your life, health, career and finances right now? Do you have the desire, drive and mental metal to reach deep inside yourself and overcome your circumstances the way Jimmy Heuga and Lance Armstrong did? These men were winners in every sense of the word. They won in their sport, they won in their battle with disease and they won in the battle to rise above circumstances to leave a legacy of which they can be proud.

Start by being grateful for what you do have. Form a plan to achieve everything you dream and desire. Take action to make it happen. “Everything you need is already inside you,” said Anthony Robbins. It is up to you to do something positive with those gifts.

The gauntlet is down. Jimmy Heuga and Lance Armstrong set the bar high by living out loud and setting the example. Can you reach deep inside yourself and do more with your life?

If you want assistance or inspiration, send me a comment in the “contact Elaine” section of www.Elaine4Success.com.