People compete in amateur sports because they have a passion for it.

[Stinky The Clown]

Recent rule changes notwithstanding, the minor Olympic sports remain mainly the province of the amateur athlete.

Most sports are risky. Some more than others. Some much more than others. We all have an obligation to do what we can, as we can, to make everything in which humans engage as safe as possible. But we should never stop people from doing what they choose to do; from following their passion.

Nodar Kumaritashvili died tragically and far too soon. When he started his run, he expected to complete it. He didn't.

He died doing that for which he had a passion.

I am very sad about this. And admiringly envious.

[babylonsister]

1. "Admiringly envious" He died with passion in his heart for a sport

he thought he could rule.

I agree, Stinky, not a bad way to go.

[njlib]

4. Not many people die doing something they love.

It's horrible that he was so young and never got to realize his dream and it was heartwrenching to watch the Georgian team in the parade of nations tonight. It appeared that he died instantly and when you add that to the fact that he was doing what probably made him most happy and proud, it's not a bad way to go at all. He didn't get to compete, but he was one of only 8 athletes to represent his country...I hope his family finds some consolation in that and is proud of what he accomplished in his short life.

[Captain Hilts]

2. Eleanor R first came to the national consciousness at Lake Placid when she rode the bobsled run -

after a death on the run.

It was a first clue for a lot of folks she was something special.

[Stinky The Clown]

8. I didn't know that

[Swede]

3. Going out while doing something you love is not bad.

Way too young,though.

[Stinky The Clown]

6. He was only 21

That's a big part of the tragedy of it.

[sandnsea]

5. The changed boxing matches from 15 rds to 12

Because they noticed the majority of deaths and serious injuries occurred in those later rounds. The boxers would continue to fight 15 rds if that's what the rules were. That's why there are officiating committees and it looks to me like they blew it with this track. I hope they figure out some way to slow it down, add padding, do whatever they should to make it safer.

[givemebackmycountry]

7. 90 mph - flat on your back, inches from the ice, literally flying down a hill....

feet first in the cold, tears under your goggles from the force of your body punching through the wind and the cold.
He never knew what hit him.

I wish I had something in my life that drove this man to defy the odds and do the damn near impossible.
Compared to this guy, I'm a freaking Dunkin' Dough-nut.

Good post stink.