2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: THE DEATH of Georgian luge competitor Nodar Kumaritashvili yesterday has cast a shadow over the Vancouver Winter Olympics, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge said.

“Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the athlete,” he said. “The whole Olympic Family is struck by this tragedy which clearly casts a shadow over these Games.”

The 21-year-old Georgian died after a horrifying crash in training yesterday.

Kumaritashvili was thrown off the sled as it bounced over the rim of the lightning-fast track at the Whistler Sliding Centre at around 90mph and slammed into a pillar.

Kumaritashvili was airlifted to hospital after receiving treatment at the scene. The head of the Georgian Olympic delegation later confirmed his death.

It was reported Georgia may withdraw from the Games.

“We are deeply struck by this tragedy and join the IOC in extending our condolences to the family, friends and team mates of this athletes, who came to Vancouver to follow his Olympic dream,” Winter Olympic Games chief John Furlong said in a joint statement with the IOC and the International Luge Federation.

Last night’s ceremony marked the official opening of Games that will run until February 28th in the prosperous city on Canada’s Pacific Coast.

The crash at a Whistler track, regarded as the fastest in the world, destroyed a mood of celebration, as Vancouver prepared to welcome the world.

However, anti-Olympic groups plan a series of protests and predict one of the largest sporting events in the world will draw anti-globalisation activists from across North America.

The opening women’s Alpine skiing event, the super-combined scheduled for tomorrow, will be rescheduled because of poor weather, a race official said last night.

The event can only take place if a downhill training run has been completed and that will not be possible today.