Georgian luge athlete dies after crash: IOC sources
By DPA, IANSFriday, February 12, 2010
WHISTLER - Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili has died following a crash during Friday’s final training run for the 2010 Olympics, International Olympic Committee (IOC) sources said.
Kumaritashvili was pronounced dead after he had been taken to hospital following the crash at the Whistler Sliding Centre.
The 21-year-old luger lost control of his sled near the finish and was sent flying over the track wall and into a course side structure at centre.
He was given emergency resuscitation treatment by rescue officials at the scene before being taken to hiospital.
If confirmed, Kumaritashvili’s death would be the first athlete fatality at a winter Games.
Training was suspended immediately after the crash and the team captains were to meet to determine how it will continue.
Top gold medal favourite Armin Zoeggeler of Italy also crashed earlier in Friday’s final training.
