Winter Olympics start despite luge tragedy

The 2010 Winter Olympics have opened but the ceremony was overshadowed by the death of 21-year-old Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili.

He crashed at high speed at Whistler Sliding Centre during training just hours before the Games opened.

The Georgian team, wearing black armbands, were given a standing ovation at the ceremony, held in Vancouver.

It was a stunning visual spectacular which started with a snowboarder jumping through the Olympic rings.

And despite the luge tragedy, which was marked by an impeccably observed minute's silence, flags flying at half mast and the ceremony dedicated to Kumaritashvili, there was a festive mood inside BC Place Stadium.

The ceremony was held undercover for the first time and officially opened by Canada's Governor General Michaelle Jean. The Olympic flame was jointly lit by four Canadian sports heroes - all-time hockey great Wayne Gretzky, skier Nancy Greene, speed skater Catriona Le May Doan, and basketball All-Star Steve Nash. However a technical hitch meant only three of the torchbearers were able to light the flame after one of the ice columns failed to appear.

Gretzky then made his way to the harbour to light a second cauldron outside in the harbour area which will burn for the 17 days of competition.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/8511851.stm


Anyone watching???

I watched the opening ceremony highlights this morning and will watch the Beeb summary each day.  It was incredibly sad to hear about the luger's death and I choked up seeing his team march in the opening ceremonies.

The Eurosports channel (410) carries a lot more of the Winter Olympics, and it was live last night.

Caught the woman's moguls last night and really thought the Candians took gold but were pipped at the post. Some damned fine talent shown by us and our neighbours.

Congats to Hannah.

 But I really admired Kristi Richards. She had such a smile and should have got a medal just for attitude alone after falling.