Georgian Olympic competitor Nodar Kumaritashvili dies after accident: IOC

February 13th, 2010 - 4:28 am ICT by BNO News  

VANCOUVER, CANADA (BNO NEWS) – A Georgian Olympic competitor died after an accident Friday morning during a training run in Whistler, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Friday.

“It is with great regret that we confirm the death of the Georgian luge athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili, during the final training session at the Whistler Sliding Centre, this morning,” the IOC said.

Mr Kumaritashvili died after crashing on the last corner of the course during training. Doctors were unable to revive the athlete, who died in hospital.

He lost control of his sled at the Whistler Training Center, hitting a pole and flying over the wall of the training course.

“Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the athlete. The whole Olympic Family is struck by this tragedy, which clearly casts a shadow over these Games”, said the President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge.

Training has been suspended indefinitely.

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