Tearful Rogge and Furlong pay tribute to killed luger Kumaritashvili

 INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge struggled to compose himself as he said the death of Georgian luge competitor Nodar Kumaritashvili has cast a shadow over the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

EMOTIONAL: IOC President Jacques Rogge was in tears after confirming the death of Georgian luge slider Nodar Kumaritashvili (Getty Images)

Kumaritashvili died on Friday after a high-speed training crash at the Whistler Sliding Centre - among the most treacherous tracks in the world.

The 21-year-old was thrown off the sled as it bounced over the rim of the track at approximately 150 km/h and crashed into a metal pole by the side of the course.

Medics were immediately on the scene and performed CPR before and ambulance arrived.

An air-rescue helicopter was summoned and was over the track approximately eight minutes after the crash but Kumaritashvili's death was confirmed by IOC vice-president Thomas Bach, as well as head of the Georgian Olympic delegation Irakly Japaridze.

An investigation is currently underway into the circumstances of the accident but Rogge, who addressed the media in Vancouver in tears, insisted it was a time for sorrow.

"It is difficult to remain composed. It is a very sad day. The IOC is in deep mourning. I have no words to say what we feel," he said.

"The whole Olympic Family is struck by this tragedy, which clearly casts a shadow over these Games.

"The investigation is under way with the officials of the International Luge Association. It would be premature to talk about that investigation.

"This is time for sorrow, it's not a time to look for reasons. It will come in due time."

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Head of the Georgian Olympic delegation Irakly Japaridze has hinted Georgia may withdraw from the Games, but Rogge confirmed no decision has been reached.

"The decision is not final on whether the Georgian team will stay. They are considering their participation but have confirmed nothing yet," he added.

Vanoc chief executive John Furlong, who accompanied Rogge in speaking to the media, was also in tears as he paid tribute to Kumaritashvili.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will do everything we can to assist and support them in the most Canadian way we can," he added.

"The accident is tragic and will be investigated and when we know the substance of what happened, you will know.

 "Nodar Kumaritashvili came to Canada with hopes and dreams that this would be a magnificent occasion in his life. He was a spirited young person and he came here to call himself an Olympian.

"He was in a tragic accident and he has passed away. We are heartbroken beyond words to be reporting this to you."