Luge athlete dies during Olympic training

[Glenn]

If you're referring to the pylon hit, guarenteed. I've seen a few, pretty graphic, photos online that show that once he cleared the wall, the he hit that metal pylon, going 80mph or so, back first, basically right on his spine in the upper back/neck region just below his helmet

The only good thing about that is that wth the speed he was going, he probably didn't know what was happening and he probably didn't feel a thing as it looks like he impacted really close to where his brain stem is RIP

I thought the same thing. At least it happened very quickly.

 

[SkiDork]

I was actually refererring to the hit into the wall while he was on the sled.

 

[bigbog]

Some environmental or safety planning processes that don't take precedence as yet in Canada to the extent that they do in the US....imo. ..Not totally on the legality end of issues...just safety.

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[billski]

It wasn't that long ago when it was just a chute, and if you flew out, well, you went on a long flight. Not defending.

 

[deadheadskier]

so, that would suggest progress has been made in the safety of the sport. the athlete probably would've died even if there was padding on those pipes. That said, designers of those tracks should take into consideration all possible dangers and construct in a manner that they are prevented to the greatest degree possible. Sometimes legal action is needed to make sure that this happens. It's why we have organizations like OSHA.

 

[billski]

so, that would suggest progress has been made in the safety of the sport. the athlete probably would've died even if there was padding on those pipes. That said, designers of those tracks should take into consideration all possible dangers and construct in a manner that they are prevented to the greatest degree possible. Sometimes legal action is needed to make sure that this happens. It's why we have organizations like OSHA.

Luge and Bob is such a small community, and the tracks far and few between. I'll bet what happened is that they were worried more about convenience when they put those roofs up and forgot about safety. I will bet you a Middlebury Ski Voucher that FIS gets right in the middle of this and by next season you'll see nets, walls and padding all over the place, kind of like the evolution the downhill and GS course netting, lines, etc.

Please, I'd rather see the money go into safety equipment than into some lawyers pocket. There are other ways to solve this problem without litigating.

 

[deadheadskier]

Please, I'd rather see the money go into safety equipment than into some lawyers pocket. There are other ways to solve this problem without litigating.

Unfortunately, litigation is often what's required to force people do what's right in the interest of safety over what's in the best interest of their bottom line.

 

[billski]

Unfortunately, litigation is often what's required to force people do what's right in the interest of safety over what's in the best interest of their bottom line.

I would advocate for seeing what steps are taken first before sucking the Olympic Commitees dry.

 

[Trekchick]

According to the athlete's father there will be no law suit.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704431404575067451600142316.html

 

[bigbog]

Wonder if anyone will kick the IOC's head a few times....in order to get better design(ie safety) for luge tracks...? cuz I don't think the existing one flies anymore...maybe a little honesty in testing...without the expensive dinner reservations


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