I was brimming with pride, watching the Olympic torch live on TV as it made its way through the streets of Vancouver when it happened.
Breaking News – Olympic Luger Killed in Training Run
My joy quickly turned to sorrow. Then the pictures came. Stunning – shocking – devastating.
How could a day filled with such elation turn so quickly into a day of mourning?
Now, with a city on the brink of the biggest celebration in its history, a black cloud has cast an overwhelming and undeniable shadow over all the excitement.
And as Olympic officials hold press conferences and scramble to adjust an Opening Ceremony that is mere hours away, everyone waits – conflicted in their feelings and lost in the ability to handle the range of emotions.
My thoughts will be with the friends and family of Nodar Kumaritashvili for the rest of this day, but in honour of his memory I have decided to cheer even louder and even stronger at tonight’s Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Please pass the word, cheer loud and strong, and let all of tonight’s athletes know we salute them in their pursuit of Olympic dreams.
Of the many Olympic moments to come, I believe this could be our finest hour.
– Catherine Barr
RIP – Nodar Kumaritashvili – Feb 12, 2010
