Winter Olympics: Luger dies after high-speed crash

In this frame grab taken from video provided by the IOC Media Broadcast, Georgian luge athlete...
In this frame grab taken from video provided by the IOC Media Broadcast, Georgian luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili loses control of his sled and crashes during a high-speed training run at the Olympic Sliding Centre in Whistler, British Columbia....

IOC president Jacques Rogge says his organisation is "in deep mourning" following the death of a Georgian luger.

Nodar Kumaritashvili died after a crash during training on the treacherous Whistler Sliding Centre course. He went over the track wall and struck an unpadded steel pole on the final turn.

Before speaking at a news conference, Rogge took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes and said, "Sorry, it's a bit difficult to remain composed." He says this is not the time to talk about investigations.

Vancouver organising chief John Furlong said, "We are heartbroken beyond words."

Rogge said he spoke with the president of the Republic of Georgia to express his sympathy. Rogge said the Georgian delegation has not decided whether to remain in the competition.

 

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