Olympic luge racer dies
Sunday February 14, 2010 - Email this article to a friend

Kumaritashvili's sled struck the inside of the track's last turn during his sixth and final training run at the Whistler Sliding Centre. He flew over a concrete wall at around 90mph.

Medical staff at the track and doctors at a local hospital tried to resuscitate Kumaritashvili, part of a seven-strong Georgian team, but the country's Olympic delegation later confirmed he had died as a result of his injuries.

An investigation is under way and already there are complaints that the track is far too dangerous. According to some it was an accident waiting to happen.

Training runs for the event resumed on Saturday in a subdued atmosphere.

"We are all in deep shock, we don't know what to do. We don't know whether to take part in the opening ceremony or even the Olympic Games themselves," said delegation head, Irakly Japaridze immediately after the accident.   In the end the team did take part wearing black arms bands and they received a standing ovation from the crowd. 

A minute's silence was held in his honour and the opening ceremony was dedicated to his memory

"This tragedy casts a shadow over these Games," said International Olympic Committee president, Jacques Rogge, while International Luge Federation chief, Josef Fendt, said the incident was "the gravest thing that can happen in sport".

Meanwhile the British Olympic Association has also offered its sympathies.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and team-mates of Nodar Kumaritashvili and the entire delegation from Georgia.  It is our hope that, during this most difficult hour, they find strength through the friendship and support of the worldwide Olympic family."

"As with most sports, we are a family in luge, so a sudden and tragic loss such as this impacts everyone deeply," says the British luge athlete AJ Rosen.

"As athletes, we know that the international federation, the IOC and VANOC have no higher priority than ensuring our safety, on and off the field of play. I know they are looking into this and, should it be deemed necessary for them to introduce additional measures, they will do so. Right now, my thoughts and prayers are with Nodar’s family, friends and team-mates."

Kumaritashvili competed in five World Cup races this season, finishing 44th in the world standings.

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