STEIN ERIKSEN, "the Norwegian great who helped usher in modern skiing with his graceful style," died Sunday at his home in Park City, Utah, aged 88, according to Pat Graham of the AP. His death "was confirmed by Deer Valley Resort, where Eriksen served as director of skiing for more than 35 years." He "rose to prominence" at the 1952 Olympics in his hometown of Oslo when he captured Gold in the giant slalom and Silver in the slalom. Two years later, "he won three Gold Medals at the world championships in Are, Sweden" (AP, 12/28). The SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reported after winning three Gold Medals, he immigrated to the U.S., working in Colorado, Vermont, California and Michigan "before helping to develop Park City Mountain Resort." In '09 longtime friend JIM GADDIS said, "People kind of step aside when they see him coming. They don't do that with other people. They'll say, 'There goes Stein.' People want to watch him. It's just amazing." Considered the founder of modern skiing, Eriksen "developed a forward somersault that is credited as the forerunner of the inverted aerials performed by freestyle skiers today." Park City instructor CLARK PARKINSON said, "Stein was an icon before he got here, so it raised perceptions of Park City by leaps and bounds" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 12/28). SPORTING NEWS' Christopher Devine reported LINDSEY VONN and AKSEL LUND SVINDAL "have led the tributes" to Eriksen. Vonn responded to the news on Twitter, posting: "Stein was a legend in skiing. So sad. RIP #legend." Her "sentiments were echoed by Svindal," who tweeted: "RIP the legend Stein Eriksen. A great guy and a legendary skier" (SPORTING NEWS, 12/28).
