Men’s Olympic lugers will start lower on track, in response to athlete’s fatal crash

Men’s Olympic lugers will start lower on track

WHISTLER, British Columbia — International luge officials are moving the start of the men’s Olympic luge competition farther down the track. It was a decision made with the “emotional component” of athletes in mind following the death of a Georgian competitor.

Men’s training on Saturday morning, as well as all four runs of the men’s competition that begins later, will take place from the women’s start ramp.

The move means speeds will be a bit lower at the Whistler Sliding Track. It likely also means the course will be a bit easier to navigate.

American luger Tony Benshoof navigated the 16 turns without incident.