10:57 AM US 'stands with Georgia' after fatal luge crash | |
US 'stands with Georgia' after fatal luge crash
WASHINGTON — The United States expressed its "sympathy and solidarity" with Georgia Saturday after the tragic death of Georgian luge star Nodar Kumaritashvili before the start of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. "We wish to express our sympathy and solidarity with the people of Georgia," State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid said in a statement. "The United States stands with Georgia as it mourns the loss of a great Olympic athlete," Duguid said, adding "we extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Nodar Kumaritashvili." The 21-year-old athlete flew off the Olympic luge track at high speed and smashed into a metal pillar during a training run. He was knocked unconscious and immediately placed on a stretcher with blood pouring from his face before being air-lifted to hospital and pronounced dead. After initially considering pulling out of the Games, Georgia's small team of athletes decided to continue at the competition and wore black armbands as they marched in the opening ceremony. The rest of Georgia's team consists of three alpine skiers, three figure skaters and another luger. | |
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