VANCOUVER—Tragedy struck the Vancouver Olympics on Friday when a freak accident killed a men’s luger from the former Soviet republic of Georgia at the Whistler Sliding Centre.
An Olympic official with direct knowledge of the crash is reported to have told the Associated Press that 21-year-old Nodar Kumaritashvili has died. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, AP reported, because the athlete’s family had not yet been notified.
Kumaritashvili’s sled went over the track wall near the finish line and struck an unpadded steel pole.
IOC President Jacques Rogge spoke to a crowded room of journalists about the crash at the Vancouver Olympics main media centre on Friday afternoon.
The investigation is underway with officials from International Luge Federation, he said, adding that the Georgian luge team’s decision to withdraw has not been confirmed, and a decision has not yet been made.
“Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the athlete,” said Rogge. “It is a bit difficult to remain composed, this is a very sad day.”
Other competitors have raised concerns about the track, said a BBC reporter. When asked if other teams had raised concerns about the track, Rogge said it was still being investigated.
