The Olympic festivities in Vancouver have started off on a sad note, as Georgian luge racer Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed after a high-speed crash on the world's fastest track during a practice run.
According to NBC Sports, the 21-year-old Kumaritashvili lost control of the sled and went over the track wall, hitting an unpadded steel pole. Paramedics could not revive him and he died at the hospital.
International Olympics Committee president Jacques Rogge said the tragedy "clearly casts a shadow over these games," according to The Associated Press.
The crash came one day after luge racers were asked during a news conference whether the tracks were too fast to be safe.
"We're probably getting close," said five-time Olympian Mark Grimmette. "This track is fast, and you definitely have to be on your game. … So it's definitely something they are going to have to take into account on future tracks."
The men's luge competition is set to begin on Saturday, and at this time, it is unclear whether the schedule will be affected. All Friday practice runs were canceled after the accident.
"Here you have a young athlete that lost his life in pursuing his passion," Rogge told NBC Sports. "He had a dream to participate in the Olympic Games. He trained hard, and he had this fatal accident. I have no words to say what we feel."
