Vancouver opened the 21st Olympic Winter Games in joy tinged with sadness. Georgian luge racer Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed Friday morning during a training run at Whistler Sliding Center. He was just 21 years old. The opening ceremonies were dedicated to the young man's memory. His Georgian teammates will compete in his honor.
These sorts of things are just so sad; the poor guy trains and trains to make it to the Olympics and then his dream is taken away. My sympathies are with his family and his teammates.
Heartbreaking story.
Prayers to the family. May he rest in peace.
I was saddened when I saw this on the news. Sad he worked so hard to get there and then to die during practice the day of the opening ceremonies. Just sad. From what I saw on the news it appeared he died instantly and didn't suffer. I'm glad he didn't suffer.
Trav, I just KNEW you would do something so sincere and respectful when you heard the news. What a tragedy. He was even younger than Goodnight's mom when she died. My heart goes out to the family.
Thanks for this tribute, Travis. Such a somber reminder that many of the sports involved during the winter Olympics carry a lethal risk factor. Nodar was hurtling at 140 km/h when he left the track. Just imagine that.
Nodar Kumaritashvili’s death is a tragedy! Luge looks like such a neat sport, but also very dangerous at the same time. His death will cast a pall over these Olympic Games. RIP
I was so sorry to hear of this. So very young. I hope there will not be any more accidents.
This was truly terrible, Travis. 21 years old. Such lost talent!
I have read where he told his dad the luge run scared him...I wish the organizers had seen fit to cover those steel beams, because this young man would probably still be with us today
Aw, that's awful...