Nodar Kumaritashvili, athlete who changed the luge sliding sport forever
Nodar Kumaritashvili was born in the little ski village of Bakuriani, a winter resort 185 km from Georgia’s capital Tbilisi. Photo by N. Alavidze
His family still live in the same house, number 32, but the name of the street is now different. In 2010 it was renamed Nodar Kumaritashvili Street. Photo be N. Alavidze
This is Nodar’s room. It is filled with presents connected with his name. The majority of gifts have been sent from different parts of the world as condolences to the family. Photo by N. Alavidze
A plate of sweets and fruit sit on the table in his room. His mother Dodo Kumaritashvili still cooks for her son almost every day. Photo by N. Alavidze
These special Nike running shoes were sent from Canada and embroidered with the name of the luger. Photo by N. Alavidze
This notebook is full of words of condolence and drawings from international visitors to the Kumaritashvili household. Photo by N. Alavidze
The prince of Monaco, Albert the Second, was a guest of the Bakuriani house. He personally knew Nodari and told him he would support him during the Vancouver Olympic Games. Photo by N. Alavidze
This Olympic Special Award by the International Olympic Committee gives members of Kumaritashvili’s family the right to attend any Olympic Games for free. They have not used this offer yet. Photo by N. Alavidze
Skiing is a traditional past-time in Bakuriani; it is a lifestyle and sometimes a business. Nodar’s skis, his favourite personal item remain in his room. Photo by N. Alavidze
The Kumaritashvili family are a traditional luging family and Nodar’s father David shows his medals. David won the USSR Championship three times. Nodar’s uncle Felix Kumaritashvili is the national luge coach. Photo by N. Alavidze
A letter of condolence from the President of Poland Lech Kaczyński, who died in a plane crash on April 10, 2010, exactly 2 months after Nodar’s death. Photo by N. Alavidze
Many people all over the world remember Nodar’s image from footage of the tragedy but his family album is full of childhood memories. Photo by N. Alavidze
This is one fond memory of Nodar. He is 8 years old - the age he started to luge. Photo by N. Alavidze
The family album also keeps one of Nodar’s childhood dreams. “I want to become the police sheriff,” reads Nodar’s note, which he wrote at age 6. Photo by N. Alavidze
Nodar Kumaritashvili was buried at the Holy Christmas Church in the center of Bakuriani. His grave is behind the church beneath a stone memorial that depicts him on a luge underneath the Olympic rings. Photo by N. Alavidze