Georgian Luge Competitor Dies in Accident, World Mourns Together During Opening Cermonies

Nodar Kumaritashvili, a Georgian luger, died today after an accident while completing a training run shortly before the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

At one point, it was unknown whether the Georgian Team would continue to participate in the Games, but later announced that they would stay and compete in his honor, as reported by Martyn Herman of Reuters. Olympic organizers offered a moment of silence during the opening ceremonies and the Georgian Team displayed a black banner on their national flag when they came out for the ceremony. In remembrance, many of the athletes have taken to wearing black bands, and they were evident during the Opening Ceremonies.

Luge training was suspended after the accident, and the idea of canceling the luge event was considered. The track is reported to be very fast, and Nodar Kumaritashvili left the track as he was finishing his run. The accident occurred at the Whistler Sliding Center, a track that is acknowledged by the International Luge Federation(FIL) as being one of the fastest tracks in the world.

There is some controversy around the accident as the experience level of Nodar Kumaritashvili has come into question. He has apparently competed in 5 events in the past year, but finished 31st while competing in December and November. His finishes in the National Cup races were not competitive enough for him to earn a berth into the World Cup rounds of these events. Of course, his father, Selix Kumaritashvili, ,who is the head of the Georgian Luge Federation is taking heat for pushing his son beyond his limits of expertise.

Nodar Kumaritashvili was 21 years old at the time of his death. This was his first Olympic Games, and the fans and athletes mourn his loss. Many people in the sports world have expressed their condolences, including International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, who started his press conference in tears.

Other athletes, including American luge racer Mark Grimmette, are noted for commenting on the safety of the track due to its speed. The coaches of the various national teams are expected to meet tonight to discuss possible ways to accommodate a safer competition in the days to come.

God Speed, Nodar.

Sources
Reuters; "Georgian dies in horrific crash";
Federation Internationale de Luge de Course
ESPN.com; "Kumaritashvili killed in luge training"