For anyone who doesn't know, Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, died on Friday, just hours before the Olympic opening ceremony, after a fatal crash during a practice run. Nodar lost control of his sled, flew over the walls of the track, and hit a steel pole. Doctors worked their hardest to try to revive him, but to no avail.
The luge course in Vancouver is said to be the fastest dangerous in the world, making in the most dangerous. While most courses don't put lugers above 80 mph, this one could put you well over 90 mph. Even some of the top lugers crashed during practice.
Since Nodar's unfortunate death, safety has become an increasingly popular topic. Talks now arise of padding such poles as the one Nodar hit after flying off his sled. In addition, the ice in the area of the accident was shaved and reshaped and the male lugers are now starting where the females start, decreasing the fastest speed they can reach. How unfortunate that someone had to die for what seems like simple safety precautions to be taken.
Some may argue inexperience as being the true cause of death in this situation. I, for one, disagree. As I said earlier, some of the top lugers in the world have been crashing on this course. I'm pretty sure they're experienced. Also, inexperience doesn't make up for the speeds this course can reach. Finally, everyone, including every athlete in the Olympics, makes mistakes and messes up some times. However, no one should have to pay for those mistakes with their lives.
So as you go about your lives, keep the friends and family of Nodar Kumaritashvili and all the other athletes competing in the Winter Olympics in your thoughts and prayers.
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