As the games set to open tonight news broke that luger Nodar Kumaritashvili of Georgia passed away due to injuries sustained from a crash this morning. This is not shocking to Olympic insiders who have noticed the overwhelming dangers of the Olympic luge course. It's reported that the sleds are zooming down the track at a regular speed of 90mph, giving Vancouver boasting rights - which they have proudly taken - as having the fastest course in the world. Over a dozen athletes have crashed, some with injuries, over the week's training runs.
Kumaritashvili was ranked 44th in the world coming into Vancouver. The crash was reportedly near the bottom of the track just seconds away from the "finish line" on corner 13, designated as "Corner 50-50."
Controversy is never far at the Winter Games, and, for once, it's not in Figure Skating. It's being reported that the course was designed to be as fast and trecherous as it was to "give the audience a show." However, many conspiracy theorists are already working overtime to proove that Canada had something else in mind. Canada's 'sliders' have been practicing on the track for weeks, whereas everyone else has gotten to try it out a handful of times in the last week.
The Republic of Georgia is rumored to be withdrawing from the games.
My take on the whole thing? I think it irresponsible to have a track run THAT FAST and THAT HARD and not have better ways to cushion a fall to give a slider a chance to survive a crash like the one Kumaritashvili suffered. To top it off, Canadians and other top level sliders alike have voiced their concerns about the course.
Forget the conspiracy, I do feel it incredibly unfair that team Canada got the track time that they have, but if it's within the rules, then so be it. Haven't heard of any skaters getting that same kind of preferential treatment, but I guess the ISU/Skating Federations aren't the only ones with shady dealings.
Above it all a 21 year old man died on Olympic Ice today. For what other reason than chasing his Olympic Dream. One can only pray his death was quick, and painless, and that his friends and family will be brought some level of comfort and peace through all of this. They should be proud to have known and loved (and been loved in return) by such an amazing athlete. Rest In Peace, Nodar.
And here's hoping Georgian athletes get to compete in Vancouver, and rise to the challenge in honor of their fallen teammate.
