During the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when Shaun White claimed his second gold medal, there was a rather unfortunate accident that marred the event. In a shocking incident, Georgian luge athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili, lost his life on the Olympic track.
Notably, Luge is one of the most dangerous sports in the world that can carry people up to 85-90 miles per hour. Before the Winter Olympics, the fastest recorded time in the famous Whistler track, Canada, was 96 miles per hour.
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On Feb 12, 2010, the Olympic community came together in mourning, when Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili passed away after crashing on the Olympic track. He will always be remembered and today, as every year, we pay tribute to Nodar and those affected in a moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/J0S1WHhA4V
— Whistler Sliding Centre (@slidingcentre) February 12, 2020
Often known as a track with dangerous curves, Nodar aimed to win the gold medal at the Games that year, but fate had something else in store. A family blessed with talented lugers, his father revealed how Nodal spoke about a particular spot on the track before his untimely demise.
Tragedy at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
It was said that Nodar traveled at a speed of 90mph during the time of impact. Losing control of the sled on one dangerous curve, he flipped from it and hit his head first on the beams beside the track. The sound of the impact was shocking, as paramedics rushed to tend to him.
Notably, before the competition started, Nodar called his father up to discuss that curve. His father, David Kumaritashvili, revealed the details of that conversation.
“He had trained there before, he had trained there before. That’s why he told me, ‘I’m afraid of this spot,” said his father.
Today it's exactly 10 years from the tragic death of #Georgian luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili at #Vancouver2010 Winter Olympic Games #RIP @EOCmedia pic.twitter.com/LWMOsgh2V4
— Peter Brüll (@peter_brull) February 12, 2020
But when an athlete trains for the Olympic Games, their primary aim is to win at all costs, and nothing else. When his father asked him to not risk it and break during those curves, Nodar simply wanted to win.
“No Dad, I will risk it, what will be will be.’ And he took the risk,” Nodar said to his father.
Legend of Georgia
Following this tragic incident, the organizers and athletes rescheduled the competition. It was moved 600 feet before the spot as the games resumed. Moreover, they built a wooden wall to cover the beams that Nodar hit. Notably, every year, February 20th is recognized as his day of remembrance as the sporting community pays homage to the young star.
Visited the memorial of #Georgia Olympian Nodar Kumaritashvili today in #whistler BC. RIP. Brought up fond memories of living in #Tbilisi pic.twitter.com/gimAZF3h7l
— Thomas Reynolds (@tmasreynolds) August 29, 2017
Nodar, a brave soul, wanted to win at all costs, and that desire is surely admirable. Unlucky to face the tragedy, he will forever be remembered for being brave on the track. Most certainly, the essence of Nodar’s Olympic spirit will grow forever.
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