Olympic Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, a Hero

Nodar Kumaritashvili's dreams of participating in the 2010 Olympics may have gone unfulfilled due to a fatal accident; however, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.

On February 12, 2010, the 21-year-old luge slider, just hours before the Olympics opening ceremonies, lost control on the track at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Just before entering turn 16, he was catapulted into the air, crashing into an unpadded steel pole as his sled continued down the track, stopping just short of the finish line. A collective gasp and then silence from the crowd of onlookers chronicled a moment that would be commemorated later as Nodar's fellow teammates wore black armbands during the opening ceremonies. In Whistler, flags at the IOC Hotel were lowered to half-staff as a photograph of Nodar on his sled was displayed with an inscription that read, 'In Memory of Nodar Kumaritashvili, May He Rest In Peace.'

It wasn't the first time a luger had crashed on the track, known as one of the world's most technically challenging courses. Located 78 miles north of Vancouver, Canada, the Whistler Sliding Track hosted the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events during the 2010 Olympics. During training, Romanian luger, Violeta Stramaturau, slammed into several walls during her run and was knocked unconscious. Megan Sweeney, a U.S. luger, crashed after exiting the final 16^th turn. Two-time Olympic champion, Italy's Armin Zoeggeler, crashed earlier that same day. Both Sweeney and Zoeggeler walked away from their collisions.

Nodar Kumaritashvili wouldn't be so lucky. After crashing at a speed just under 90 mph, paramedics tried unsuccessfully to save him. He later died at a nearby trauma center. And yet his legacy lives on.

Just before he left home to follow his Olympic dreams, a 4-year-old neighbor asked Nodar if he would bring a toy rifle back from Canada for him. Dmitry Laliyev was one of many local children who looked up to Nodar as a hero. Like the young boy, family and friends were proud of Nodar's participation in two world cup competitions and considered him a promising athlete.

As those who loved him mourned his passing, the young Dmitry was seen playing with a plastic toy rifle. Nodar's parents had found it in their son's luggage, tucked away for his return trip home. According to Gogi Laliyev, Nodar often brought his son toys when he traveled. Most probably, if you asked, you'd find that Nodar had touched the hearts of many of his countrymen.

This 'promising' athlete left a legacy that lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Just ask Dmitry.