Olympic luger from Georgia dies after crash

[weazel079]

Terrible news. Supposably the fastest luge track in the world. No padding on the steel pole either. Guy never had a chance. RIP

Here is the video.

Nodar Kumaritashvili Luge Crash [VIDEO]

[wayne1218]

I thought you meant Georgia USA but i see it isn't. That's terrible!

[insidethe8thpol]

Just sad.

Supposedly, there have been 5 or 6 crashes in practice so far.

Going 90 - 95 MPH

[flarendep1]

Sucks, the speeds are definetly pushing the limit.

I doubt padding on the pole would have helped at those speeds.

[garth]

Sucks, the speeds are definetly pushing the limit.

I doubt padding on the pole would have helped at those speeds.

I agree. The only thing that might have helped is a padded wall to keep him in the track.

[Spark]

Did you see his face right before he hit that pole?? Horrible

[tech fan]

Did you see his face right before he hit that pole?? Horrible

it was terrible

[flarendep1]

Did you see his face right before he hit that pole?? Horrible

Where did you see that video, I only saw his back, never his face?

I wonder if they alter the track or the ice somehow to slow it down for the competition?

[KazDog]

What the fuck are unpadded steel poles doing a few feet above the track around a bend? Stupid bastards!

KAZ

[flarendep1]

What the fuck are unpadded steel poles doing a few feet above the track around a bend? Stupid bastards!

KAZ

I agree but even thick padded, you hit those at 85 mph and your finished. He probably broke his neck and back on the angle he hit. Sucks for his family and the country of Georgia.

Why not install some clear half tube shaped plastic over top of those dangerous turns?? That would keep them in the tunnel at least and the camera could see thru.

[KazDog]

I agree but even thick padded, you hit those at 85 mph and your finished. He probably broke his neck and back on the angle he hit. Sucks for his family and the country of Georgia.

Why not install some clear half tube shaped plastic over top of those dangerous turns?? That would keep them in the tunnel at least and the camera could see thru.

Exactly. A barrier of some sort. Not a steel pole. Could have built the walls up higher so you don't go over the top. You have very little chance of surviving when your body is hurled into a steel pole at 90 mph...

KAZ

[weazel079]

I realize his chances were dim going at that speed and the way he flew over the edge. But having a row of steel poles next to the course that look to be made for parking garages is fucking stupid. Every safety precuation should be made, especially for the most dangerous event at the winter games. I guarantee you changes will be made for this event in the future. A guy shouldn't be able to fly off the course. Like being ejected out of an automobile at 80mph and flying into a street light. Your dead.

[Spark]

Where did you see that video, I only saw his back, never his face?

I wonder if they alter the track or the ice somehow to slow it down for the competition?

On the news, They showed the video and then they showed still shots ...

I realize his chances were dim going at that speed and the way he flew over the edge. But having a row of steel poles next to the course that look to be made for parking garages is fucking stupid. Every safety precuation should be made, especially for the most dangerous event at the winter games. I guarantee you changes will be made for this event in the future. A guy shouldn't be able to fly off the course. Like being ejected out of an automobile at 80mph and flying into a street light. Your dead.

I agree ...

[Spark]

Yesh, Let's close the doors now after the horses escaped ..


Georgian luger dies after crash; changes made to treacherous Olympic track
04:05 PM Feb 13, 2010WHISTLER, British Columbia (AP) - Changes will be made to the track at the Whistler Sliding Center following the death of 21-year-old Nodar Kumaritashvili of Georgia in a horrific training crash.

Officials from the International Luge Federation and the Vancouver 2010 organizing committee say the wall will be raised at the exit of Curve 16, the last on the course and the area where Kumaritashvili lost control, went airborne and struck a steel pole.

In a joint statement, the groups say it's "a preventative measure."

An extra session of training for the Olympic men's luge event will be held Saturday morning, nine hours before the medal competition begins. Women's lugers will also train Saturday, four hours behind original schedule.

- AP

[harold_bush]

These Olympics have gotten off to a disasterous start. Having to truck in snow, allegations of inadequate tracks, rain canceling practices. Obviously that stuff pales in comparison to the death, but not a good start.