A luge slider from Georgia was killed Friday when he crashed during an Olympic training session hours before the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Georgian Embassy and the International Olympic Committee said. Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21, was on the final corner of the course during official training when he had a "serious crash" and was propelled off the track, according to the IOC. "It is difficult to remain composed," IOC President Jacques Rogge told reporters as he was overcome with emotion. "This is a very sad day. The IOC is in deep mourning." An investigation into the cause of the crash is under way, the IOC said, and Rogge declined to comment on what safety precautions may be put into place pending the investigation's outcome. Source: cnn.com
At least he went out doing what he loved. This can't be the first time this has ever happened. No way you can have a sport where you fly 60 MPH down an icy tube with minimal protection and not have any casualties.
I meant right before/during the Olympics. Has an athlete ever died at the games, during a competition/warm up?
Apparently so. Luge death echoes sport's Olympic debut - 2010 Vancouver Olympics article - Sports - MSN CA
Horrible timing. Make it to the Olympics and never get to compete or even be part of the opening ceremonies. Such a shame.
This track was critized by several coaches and athletes before. Some other accidents happend there during the last days and I don't think this one will be the last. This is just the negative side of making contests faster and more spectacular..... R.I.P.