Tragedy hit the Winter Olympics today as Nodar Kumaritashvili died today after crashing during a training run.
The Georgian luge slider was traveling at speeds greater than 90 miles per hour (150 km/hr) when he launched off the track hit a metal girder
Kumaritashvili death was confirmed by officials and International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge released a public statement:
"Mr. Kumaritashvili died after crashing on the last corner of the course during training. Doctors were unable to revive the athlete who died in hospital.
Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the athlete. The whole Olympic Family is struck by this tragedy which clearly casts a shadow over these Games.”
Kumaritashvili who turned 21 in November, has competed in luge for Georgia since 2008.
The sport has been riddled with training run incidents. On Wednesday, the women lugers had multiple crashes: including one which knocked Romania's Violeta Stramaturar unconscious for a few minutes and sent her to the hospital.
Then earlier today, Italy’s Armin Zoeggler (2002 and 2006 gold medalist) crashed as he rounded a corner. He was forced to hold his sled with one hand to avoid being hit with it as he slid close to 200 meters.
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Comments
What a horrible accident! May he RIP
i am so sorry for his team and family. What a sad begin to what should be a fun few weeks. RIP
What a sad and tragic death. Rest in peace, Nodar.
The track is widely-regarded as one of the most dangerous in the sport and there had been several scares in the past few days, with 2002 and 2006 gold medalist Armin Zoeggler of Italy also crashing but escaping unhurt.
THEN WHY IN THE FREAK ARE THEY ALLOWED TO RUN IT? WHY ISN'T SOMETHING DONE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING? I THINK IT'S TOTAL NEGLIGENCE ON BEHALF OF THE FACILITY AND THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE THAT NOTHING IS DONE TO MAKE THE TRACK SAFER. AND YES, I AM YELLING! I'M MAD. THIS BOY DIDN'T HAVE TO DIE.
Poor kid. His light was extinguished much too soon. May he feel no pain where he is now. Sport is one thing, but the levels they push these people is ridiculous.
R.I.P Nodar. The only thing that pushes these athletes is the drive to be the best. They choose to push themselves to the limit, this crash is not a result of "pushing" the athletes too much or negligence. People need to see that this was just bad luck, it's just inevitable that these courses and tracks are going to become more dangerous in an effort to provide a tougher challenge for the athletes. Don't get me wrong, it's very tragic... BUT there are no fingers to point or people to blame and that's the point I'm really trying to express. My deepest sympathies are extended to the family/friends/teammates of Nodar, may you all find brightness in such a dark time.
omg look at his ear it's like torn of!!
I pray for his family and friends
Rest in peace!
I respect him and his memory but that sport is absolutelly ridiculous.
And despite that, the track might have some conception problem.
This kind of sport is far aways from "natural".
The Olympics should only promote sports that can happen normally in Nature and/or snowie conditions, without any human intervention.
Its sad how he died, but at least he was doing somrthing he lved to do am i right? I know what i said sounds kinda lame and fishy but its the truth, he should still be alive but who are we to change who dies and who doesnt, when or where.
Nodar was a great athlete. Unfortunately I didn't know him, but everyone said he was a great person. I can't express how painful Nodar's death is for all of us. Our bullshit TVs have shown that horrible video for millions of times. They thought we were happy to see how Georgian luger, our hope died. I believe that Nodar's olympic star will always shine brightly, his name won't be forgotten. May your soul rest in peace, Nodar. Tbilisi, Georgia
very painful it's very difficult to find a words to express the feelings.
is that his brains coming out of his head in the picture? rip
SMARTASSES: A prayer for you
May those who post morbid, light-hearted comments about the fate of this luger die a similarly horrible fate.
This is bs why wasnt there Padding on those Posts...this is the most unsafe sport ever and they dont even have any precautions to making it atleast a little more safe like padding on all the metal aroudnd the track...very intelligent,....what a loss of life..:(
Estoy verdaderamente consternada no tengo palabras para explicar el DOLOR que siento, no conoci nunca a este atleta pero aun asi siento un gran vacio por la perdida de hombre. Dios lo tenga con el en el cielo. Mis condolencias para sus madre y su familia. Descansa en paz Nodar!
I agree this is a horrible loss, but I'm sure if he had a choice, he'd choose do go doing what he loved, and he did. And about the comments saying that the poles should've been padded... well, honestly the speed he was going it wouldn't have done anything. We are all sorry for this loss, and I hope those rude people posting jokes and such know that they aren't making anyone laugh. This was a loss of a great life, and we are all with his family and friends.
Rest In Peace
My prayers go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
God Bless!
** NODAR KUMARITASHVILI ** is the ONLY real and true Olympic Hero of the entire 2010 Winter Olympics. Despite his newly discovered fears of the Whistler Sliding Center Luge Track, being a Trained Olympic Athlete at that, still he bravely performed his Olympic Duty for his Country, knowing with certainty he was risking his life. He personally expressed his fear of the danger, and one turn he feared, which ultimately took his life unfortunately right near the end of the Track. REST IN PEACE ** NODAR ** You will be recognized in history forever and remembered as a TRUE OLYMPIC HERO.
thank the lord that this did not happen during the actual olympics that would have been even more terrifying for others spectating may he RIP he was so young i feel terrible 21 years old wow
i think it s really terrible and a really tragic death .
i am sorry for all the people who know him ( Family and friends )
Rest in peace Nodar Kumaritashvili
it s so horrible .
Rest in peace Nodar we'll never forget you
R.I.P
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