International Olympic Committee remembers late Georgian luger

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has paid tribute to a Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashviliwho died in a tragic accident, at the opening of an exhibition honouring Georgian athletes.

Nodar Kumaritashvili died at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. His memory was honoured by IOC president Thomas Bach, who was on an official visit to Georgia.

Today Bach met with representative of Georgia’s Government, including Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and President Giorgi Margvelashvili.

PM Garibashvili opened a sculpture exhibition titled Ode to Olympic Champions, which was dedicated to famous Georgian athletes at the National Olympic Committee of Georgia.

After the opening ceremony Bach spoke at a press conference where paid tribute to Kumaritashvili, who was involved in a fatal accident while completing a training run at the 2010 Olympic Games. His death happened on the same day as the Opening Ceremony.

The way of Olympic success is never easy. It requires a lot of dedication, but finally sportsmen become heroes. I should remember the talented young man Nodar Kumaritashvili and his tragic death at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. He will always remain in our memory. Young generations will dedicate their successes to his name, Bach said.

Kumaritashvili, 21, was on his final official training run when he lost control at high speed and crashed into a steel pole. He was travelling at 143.3 km per hour when he crashed. After the accident Kumaritashvili was transferred to hospital where he later died.

Officials placed a premium on safety in the sport since his death. No major crashes have yet occurred at the luge track in Sochi.

Read the article Nodar Kumaritashvili, Georgian luger that changed this sport forever

See a photo essay describing Kumaritashvili’s family and hometown four years after his death "In Pictures”.