Death at the Olympics Calls for Investigation

The 21 year old Georgian luger who met his death Friday started off the winter Olympics on a very solemn note. In my opinion it was a tragedy that could have been avoided. It was extremely heart wrenching to watch the actual video on CTV news. The athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili met his fate while he was training Friday on the tracks. The tracks were reported by many to be extremely quick, way faster than usual track speeds. In the video the athlete speeds down the track taking the first turn and then the second. After the third turn, he comes out shooting from his sled, leaping into the air and hitting the metal pole outside of the track.

It's a real shame that preliminary investigation has shown that the tragedy was caused by error on the young luger's part. The officials are already looking to get their necks out of the noose.

With such speeds of about 150km, many athletes complained of the track being way too fast. I do believe that it was a case of the officials not taking precautionary measures by not building particular Plexiglas walls to protect the athletes. This tragedy could have been avoided. I really hope that the Olympic committee and whoever else who is responsible be taken to task. What makes me even more furious is that the officials have decided to hold the competitions on the tracks on Saturday. It's the same track that took the life of this talented athlete. With no changes made, it is blamed on the athlete. It's painful now to even watch the games knowing that athletes are competing under such dangerous conditions.

I don't know how some can actually smile and celebrate after such a tragedy. It aches to see the smiles on the faces of people at the opening ceremony, without a special moment of silence to remember the senseless death of this talented Georgian athlete. Hope they have enough sense and respect to remember Nodar Kumaritashvili throughout the games and their celebrations.

One thing I can say is that, had it been an athlete from the US, we would be looking at a big time civil suit for millions. In the meantime I'm praying that some sense would kick in and that they would reconsider and put up Plexiglas to protect these athletes.

In our celebrations to victories won in this Olympics, let's remember this wonderful athlete, Nodar kumaritashivili.

Thanks