Today, Nodar Kumaritashvili, a Georgian luger would turn 27 years. The 21-year old athlete from Georgia’s Bakuriani winter resort suffered a fatal crash during a training run for the 2010 Winter Olympics competition in Whistler, Canada, on the day of the opening ceremony.  Winter Olympics 2010 would be his Olympic debut, but sadly the young athlete became a victim to the type of sport he devoted almost his entire life. 

 

A moment of silence was held during the opening ceremonies to honor Georgian sportsman’s memory, when both the Canadian and Olympic flags were lowered to half-staff. Kumaritashvili became the fourth athlete to have died during Winter Olympics preparations.