The Olympic torch relay came to an end with the lighting of the Olympic flame in Vancouver this evening. But earlier today a candle blew out. Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21, never made it to his first Olympics. The luger lost control of his luge during a practice run at the Whistler sliding centre, a venue already critized for its technical turns, but at the same time covereted for its potential for speed records and the thrill of mastering the course. Lugers reach speeds of almost 150 km/hr on the critical section where Kumaritashvili left the course and hit the metal construction. The footage went worldwide only minutes after the tragedy, horrified spectators covering their eyes as they realize the potential outcome. EMT treated Kumaritashvili at the scene, he was later pronounced dead. within hours, a set of candles were lit at the base of the Olympic rings outside the Medals Plaza in Whistler village. A strong reminder of what the Games is really about: a celebration of life and courage.
Spontaneous vigil for Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, 21, who died during a practice run at the Whistler Sliding Centre only hours before his first Olympic Games were to begin. His first competition was scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2010.
