Luger dies in horror crash
Georgian athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili killed in training accident
Tragedy struck the Winter Olympics just hours before the opening ceremony in Vancouver, as Georgian luge hopeful Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed following a horror crash.
The 21-year-old Olympian was having his second practice run when he suffered a horrific 90mph crash that saw him fly off the track and collide with a metal pole at the Whistler Sliding Centre during his second training run.
According to reporters at the scene, Kumaritashvili struck a steel pole near the finish after losing control of his sled on the final turn and clearing the ice-coated wall along the side of the track.
Kumaritashvili needed emergency CPR resuscitation treatment at the scene and was unconscious when being placed on a stretcher and rushed away towards an air ambulance.
"Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the athlete," said IOC president Jacques Rogge.
"The whole Olympic Family is struck by this tragedy which clearly casts a shadow over these Games."
Vancouver Games chief John Furlong also spoke in a joint statement with the IOC and the International Luge Federation.
"We are deeply struck by this tragedy and join the IOC in extending our condolences to the family, friends and team mates of this athletes, who came to Vancouver to follow his Olympic dream," read the statement.
The IOC said doctors tried to revive Kumaritashvili in hospital, and added that an inquiry into his death would be launched.
"This is a terrible accident. This is the very gravest thing that can happen in sport, and our thoughts and those of the 'luge family', are naturally with those touched by this event," added International Luge Federation President Josef Fendt.
The Georgian National Olympic Committee later confirmed their seven athletes would compete at the Games and, at the opening cermony later on Friday, the Georgian flag included a black fringe and their team members wore black stripes as a mark of respect.
RIP
Georgian athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili killed in training accident
Tragedy struck the Winter Olympics just hours before the opening ceremony in Vancouver, as Georgian luge hopeful Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed following a horror crash.
The 21-year-old Olympian was having his second practice run when he suffered a horrific 90mph crash that saw him fly off the track and collide with a metal pole at the Whistler Sliding Centre during his second training run.
According to reporters at the scene, Kumaritashvili struck a steel pole near the finish after losing control of his sled on the final turn and clearing the ice-coated wall along the side of the track.
Kumaritashvili needed emergency CPR resuscitation treatment at the scene and was unconscious when being placed on a stretcher and rushed away towards an air ambulance.
"Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the athlete," said IOC president Jacques Rogge.
"The whole Olympic Family is struck by this tragedy which clearly casts a shadow over these Games."
Vancouver Games chief John Furlong also spoke in a joint statement with the IOC and the International Luge Federation.
"We are deeply struck by this tragedy and join the IOC in extending our condolences to the family, friends and team mates of this athletes, who came to Vancouver to follow his Olympic dream," read the statement.
The IOC said doctors tried to revive Kumaritashvili in hospital, and added that an inquiry into his death would be launched.
"This is a terrible accident. This is the very gravest thing that can happen in sport, and our thoughts and those of the 'luge family', are naturally with those touched by this event," added International Luge Federation President Josef Fendt.
The Georgian National Olympic Committee later confirmed their seven athletes would compete at the Games and, at the opening cermony later on Friday, the Georgian flag included a black fringe and their team members wore black stripes as a mark of respect.
RIP
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