Nodar Kumaritashvili (1988-2010)
Nodar Kumaritashvili of Georgia competes during luge training ahead of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, February 10, 2010. Kumaritashvili was killed after crashing during a training run February 12
I have doused the campfire flames today to honour an Olympian athlete from Georgia whom tragically lost his life earlier today pursing his dreams. I would hope fellow Canadians across this land also lower their flags to half mast as well during these Vancouver Winter Games.
Words cannot even begin to express how devastating this news must be to his family and friends, and country men. The games are all about bringing the world together, and together we all share in this loss.
Good on the Georgian Team for deciding to stay for the opening ceremonies to march and honour their team member. I certainly hope they stay for the games.
The moment was recorded quite vividly on video today and released here on LiveLeak, where I first learned about it. I also caught the footage again on CTV when I got home. No, I don’t think I can ever forget the sound of that brutal impact.
Be forewarned, the video is very graphic. Also, this was apparently the third accident reported on the track today.. let’s all hope there are no more like this throughout the games.
