“Jungle” Jim Hunter
Alpine Skiing Athlete - Inducted 1987
Known for his fearless racing style and passion for alpine skiing, “Jungle” Jim Hunter was a key member of Canada’s legendary “Crazy Canucks,” the bold group of downhill racers who earned international recognition during the 1970s. His aggressive approach to competition and strong technical ability helped establish Canada as a respected force in international alpine skiing.
During his competitive career, Hunter achieved outstanding success at the national level, winning five Canadian combined championships, seven giant slalom titles, three slalom championships, and two downhill championships. Competing on the World Cup circuit, he made an immediate impact by placing fourth in his first giant slalom race at Val d’Isère, France.
Before retiring from World Cup competition, Hunter recorded top-15 finishes in 14 downhill races and six giant slalom events, along with top-ten finishes in all five combined competitions he entered. Internationally, his greatest achievement came at the 1972 Winter Olympic Games, where he won a bronze medal in the alpine combined event. He also represented Canada at the 1976 Winter Olympic Games, finishing sixth in the combined competition.
After Induction
Following his competitive career, Hunter remained actively involved in sport, media, and athlete development. He successfully managed the 1988 Olympic Torch Relay and became a mentor to athletes, providing guidance in both sport performance and public speaking.
Beginning in 1989, Hunter established a successful career as a motivational speaker, delivering more than 3,000 presentations to business organizations, schools, and conference audiences across Canada. He also worked in sports broadcasting with CTV from 1978 to 1992, authored a book, and directed two films. In 2009, he began hosting a Saturday morning radio program on FAN960.
After suffering a heart attack in 2012, Hunter became a passionate advocate for heart health awareness, supporting fundraising initiatives for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. During Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2017, the Toronto Star recognized the Crazy Canucks — Jim Hunter, Ken Read, Steve Podborski, and Dave Irwin — among the country’s most influential sporting figures in its series highlighting quintessential Canadian sporting moments.
Hunter has also continued his leadership work in sport and business as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sports Management Systems in Calgary, Alberta.
Awards and Honours
- 1977 — John Semmelink Award, Canadian Ski Association (presented to the skier who best represents Canada internationally through sportsmanship, conduct, and ability)
- 1978 — United States Alpine Skiing Hall of Fame
- 1987 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
- 1987 — Canadian Ski Hall of Fame
- 2006 — Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
Did You Know
Hunter hosted "The Jungle Jim Hunter Show" on The Fan 960 radio station. He is also a motivational speaker and provides developmental coaching for athletes and teams from Calgary, where he resides with his wife and four grown children.
Jim Hunter is an uncle to each of the Hunter Brothers, a Canadian country music group from Shaunavon, Saskatchewan.
After suffering a heart attack in 2012, Jim became an advocate for heart health, helping raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In Celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations, The Toronto Star featured the ‘Crazy Canucks’ (Jim Hunter, Ken Read, Steve Podborski and Dave Irwin), in its series ‘150 quintessential Canadian Sporting characters and moments’ (June 27, 2017) in the segment ‘Capturing a country through sport: The winter stars. Jim is president and CEO of Sports Management Systems, in Calgary.
