A Tribute to Nodar Kumaritashvili and the Sport of Luge
by KyleChang | Fri, 02/12/2010 - 22:58
Vancouver Winter Olympics Day One
Even before the opening ceremonies started, the Olympic Family lost a Georgian (The Republic of Georgia) Luge Olympian that was only 21 years old during a practice run this morning. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the friends and family of Nodar Kumaritashvili. To work so hard to earn the right to compete at the international stage and not be able to compete and worst yet, loose your young life before having the chance to compete on the international stage bring great sadness to what should be the most exciting time in the life of this athlete and his family. The Luge is naturally a dangerous sport that is won by those who can make it through the course with the least amount of time. Athletes competing in this, along with many other Winter Games Sports are highly to injuries during competition. Many competitors often do not get to finish while competing on the twists and curves of the course at over 85-100 miles per hour – it is not uncommon to crash midway through the course.
Sports at the highest level is competitive remind us of the dangers of high level competition around the world from amateur sports such as the Olympics to professional sports such as the NHL and NFL. As a way to honor Nodar Kumaritashvilli and those that compete in the Luge, the following videos give you a peak into the sport and I hope that you will follow it during these Winter Games.
What is the "luge"?
Luge in Torino 2006
