Nodar Kumaritashvili's Death Accidental, Luge Events Will Continue

Olympic officials have concluded their investigation into the death of Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili and determined driver error caused his tragic death.

In light of this conclusion, the event will go on.

Kumaritashvili crashed coming out of the 16th and last turn, dubbed "Thunderbird" by the competitors, vaulting over the edge of the track before smashing into a metal pole.

Track officials said they will raise the height of the wall at that point to make sure a similar event does not happen again.

There have been a dozen crashes so far in the practice runs on the track this week leading up to the event.

Now that the event is a "go," practice runs will continue with the men's events taking place later today.

Italian Luger Armin Zoeggeler is considered the man to beat in the Vancouver Games. He has two Olympic Golds and four medals total. Zoeggeler also crashed yesterday during a practice run, but walked away.

The Germans traditionally dominate this event, but female Luger Erin Hamlin from the United States, and reigning World Champion, is hoping to continue her winning ways in Vancouver.

The Canadian team has had the most practice time on the track, so they naturally will be perceived as having a bit of an edge.

However, Austrian Luger Manuel Pfister recorded the fastest time on the track so far during a practice run on Thursday of 95.69 mph (154 kph), so Zoeggeler isn't exactly alone at the top.

As for the Americans, Tony Benshoof is making his third Olympics appearance. He finished fourth at Salt Lake City in 2002 and 17th in Turin in 2006. At age 34, he still has a good chance of upsetting the field and earning a medal.

The Americans best medal chance for the men is in the doubles, where Brian Martin and Mark Grimmette bring a ton of experience to the task.

The Luge event is a fast, dangerous event that is incredibly exciting to watch. The terrible tragedy on Friday is not typical of the event, though. Crashes happen, but the athletes usually are able to walk away with nothing more than a few bumps and bruises.

As a viewer, strap yourselves in and prepare to be entertained. It's a fun ride.