Tragic Start to the Opening of the Games
By EvrWonder
@EvrWonder (3571)
Canada
February 13, 2010 10:54am CST
I thoroughly enjoyed the show last night.
Thereafter, the news covered the tragic accident of Georgian luger,
Nodar Kumaritashvili.
The problem was that they aired the actual footage of the accident itself.
It wasn't very nice and not how I would like to remember the opening ceremonies of the Winter Games. I just wish they hadn't showed the video. Other news casts this morning are simply showing images of him going down the track and then being resuscitated. No footage of him being violently through into the pillars. How awful.
That luge run is too fast. I am appauled actually at how the area in which the accident took place, is so open like it is. I would like to see some sort of cushion barrier or netting in front of those huge metal pillars. Apparently, they have built up the opposite side with more ice. Over all and has been mentioned by others, even previous Olympians is that that run, at Whistler is far too fast. It is over and above dangerous. There had been previous accidents that day and the day prior, on the same track and Nodar was one of those who experienced a previous accident that very day also.
I would like to see the track slower.
Although anything over 100mp and you crash, you are going to get hurt. How could one not?
This has been a really sad event. Shocking and tragic. Yet, the games will go on.
During the opening ceremonies, when the small but brave team of the Georgians entered BC Place, they appeared somber. Some cried while some kept a straight face.
At first, Team Georgian thought they would not participate after the tragic accident of their team mate but later decided that they would compete in honor of him.
My heart goes out to the family, friends and team mates of Nodar Kumaritashvili.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
13 Feb 10
They have been airing footage of the entire accident here too. I mean the entire accident. They have been airing it every news show. It was a terrible accident and I hear that track is definitely for professionals only. They went as far as to say the newcomers should have a lot more practice runs than what they do for a track like that. It is a great shame that it happened and I'm glad the team has decided to compete. I think the young athlete would have wanted that.
1 person likes this
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
13 Feb 10
Crazy, why even bother. It was very upsetting for me lastnight when I seen it, after enjoying the opening ceremonies. It was late and time for bed. I really didn't need to see it in action. How traumatic.
The only good thing I can say about it is that he was going so fast that he probably didn't feel a thing, which is good. Just really really sad. Thank you for your response.
Terrible is for sure and yes the track is very very fast so has been said not for the inexperienced.
It has been said that the practice runs today, on that very track are taking place farther down so to not allow the athletes to get up to their competing speeds.
I think the fallen comrade would of wanted his team mates to carry on also as he wanted to be there along side of them as well. I am glad too that they have decided to continue to participate.
I am sure though that their hearts are heavy. As is with many, including family and friends but also those putting on the games and likely everyone who knew this young man.
@azlin_04 (112)
• Malaysia
14 Feb 10
Hi EvrWonder,
Even my country didn't take too much care about the Winter Games since we lived in a hot, humid wheather but we still watched the games. For me , it is not nice for the TV to aired the footage of the accident itself.
My opinion is, they should respect the family of the victim and their feelings.!!
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
16 Feb 10
I am with you on that!! I am disgusted that they would even air the footage. How wrong. It is just wrong. The poor guy and his family. Apparently his father refuses to watch the accident footage. I don't blame him. I wouldn't want to either. I would be outraged if I was his family and the news stations continually aired that piece as they are.
@AmbiePam (92862)
• United States
13 Feb 10
NBC showed the actual video of it in real time? I thought it was bad enough that the media was showing pictures, frame by frame of him being thrown into the steel pole, but I didn't know they showed the actual footage. If I were his family I would be very upset with everyone who showed the footage and tried to sensationalize it for ratings. Pictures, fine. But the actual footage...
@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
14 Feb 10
Hi AmbiePam; I f I were his family, I would likely feel the same. I really didn't need to see that on the news last night, after the beauty of the opening ceremonies. It was terrible and upsetting. I can imagine how his family must feel and hope that they haven't seen it because it is haunting me still.
I just don't think that they should of showed it. Perhaps we all should complain to the T.V. stations that are airing the actual video of him having the accident.
Yes, actual footage, as it happened. Not pictures. They have since build the wall up so should there be a similar accident, the Olympian will be forced back onto the track.
@MrKennedy (1978)
•
14 Feb 10
I must admit, I too was shocked by this piece of tragic news, and was definitely not expecting something this terrible to occur at the winter games
It's such a shame, because I bet he spent his entire laugh training up and preparing for this moment, only to be tragically killed when he finally got the opportunity to do what he had probably always dreamed about: to perform at the olympics
It's such a shame, because I bet he spent his entire laugh training up and preparing for this moment, only to be tragically killed when he finally got the opportunity to do what he had probably always dreamed about: to perform at the olympics@EvrWonder (3571)
• Canada
16 Feb 10
I seen his parents on the news last night and well his father was clearly extremely upset, a three time Olympian himself. Of course his mother was devastated. So hard for one to fathom how they must truly feel when on the outside. All I can imagine is Major Pain that they must be going through. He was so young and living his dream. So very very sad. Certainly not forgotten.
