Luge Athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili

February 12, 2010 dawned with a bevy of joy and excitement among the many Olympic athletes who had gathered for the Winter Games in Vancouver. Later that night the Opening Ceremonies would be held. Later in the morning those participating in the luge events gathered for practice runs. The track was said to be the fastest in the world. A young man from the small country of Georgia was among those eagerly awaiting his turn.

At 10:45 a.m. Vancouver time Nodar Kumaritashvili from the village of Bakuriani in Georgia died while practicing a run on the luge track. The track was said to be among the most challenging in the world. Nodar's sled was racing at approximately 90 mph as it sped along the track. At one of the turns, the sled went out of control. Nodar's body flew over the wall and hit a steal beam. Immediately, people rushed to help him and begin CPR. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but it was too late. Nodar Kumaritashvili passed away. A few hours later, his fellow athletes from Georgia marched into the Opening Ceremonies wearing black armbands as did many athletes from other countries. As the Olympic anthem was sung, both the Canadian and Olympic flags were lowered to half-staff. There was a moment of silence for Nodar and an announcement was made that the Olympics would be dedicated to his memory.

The next day repair work on the luge run was taking place. The start line was moved down the course in order to slow the athletes by approximately six miles per hour. The wall where the accident occurred had been raised and cushioned pads were place around the steel poles lining the course. The accident left many shaken including both athletes and fans.

Nodar had called his parents before his practice run to tell them they would be proud of him. According to Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, "What we are thinking to do now is to build a new track in his hometown named after him because he had to train for all these years in different European countries for lack of adequate facilities (in Georgia)." Another member of the Georgian Olympic Committee stated "He (Nodar) was very happy and he prepared himself to be champion." All the athletes here are the best in their individual field. From around the world, prayers are with Nodar Kumaritashvili and his family. He was a champion.

Sources:
www.vancouversun.com
NCB TV