What are the odds that a previously-healthy cross-country skier, competing in a regional race, would suffer a heart attack as he approached the finish line and have his life saved by another racer who happened to be a physician coming up from behind?

Awfully long, we’d say. But, remarkably, that’s how it happened in early March for Jim Pedersen of Washburn, Wisconsin, competing in the Great Bear Chase in Calumet on March 7.

Pedersen, a veteran cross-country skier, was near the finish line when he was stricken.

A story on today’s Health page, 1C, has full details.

Short, a family practice doctor and community assistant dean for Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine at UP Health System – Marquette, came around a turn to find Pedersen on the ground without a pulse.

Acting quickly, Short started CPR. Another skier, who also happened to be a health care professional, assisted in the CPR.

Pedersen was rushed into surgery in Marquette, where a stint was placed to open a blocked coronary artery.

Pedersen, who is now home and on the way to a full recovery, can’t thank Short enough for literally saving his life.

This is the kind of story we love to bring to readers. Although he seeks none, Dr. Short deserves public accolades for doing what was necessary to save a precious life.