Nodar Kumaritashvili, a 21-year-old luge competitor in the , died in a training crash today at the Whistler Sliding Center's track, reports. He lost control of his sled 48 seconds into his run, went over the track wall, and hit a steel pole. He was going 88 mph.
Other competitors have complained about the excessive speed of the track, which is considered the fastest in the world. More than 12 athletes have crashed on site at speeds faster than 90 mph.
The Games officially begin tonight at the opening ceremony, airing on .
–Aileen Torres