Feb. 11, 2000 3:18 PM AP

IRVINE, Calif. (AP) Ronnie Robertson, a silver medalist in figure skating at the Olympics, world and national championships in 1956, has died. He was 62.

Robertson, who fell into a coma due to pneumonia earlier this month, died on Feb. 4. He had a history of heart and lung problems.

A coach after his skating career, Robertson finished second at the 1956 Olympics in Cortina, Italy, behind Hayes Jenkins and in front of Hayes' brother David. He also won world silver medals in 1955 and '56, again finishing between the Jenkins brothers.

Robertson was a three-time medalist at the U.S. championships who also skated in a variety of ice shows. He was considered the best spinner in skating throughout his career, and also was a fine jumper who frequently hit triple jumps in practices long before they were fashionable. Robertson also was considered a pioneer of the quadruple jump, which he occasionally did during teaching sessions as far back as the 1970s.

He coached skaters at various rinks, including in Hong Kong for the last 10 years. He also worked with Olympic champions Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi early in their careers.

The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without prior written authority of The Associated Press.