The Winter Olympics have got underway in Vancouver amid tragedy after Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed during practice.

The 21-year-old suffered an horrendous crash at the Whistler Sliding Centre and despite receiving prompt medical attention, died later in hospital.

The opening ceremony in Canada therefore became a sombre event, with the remainder of the Georgia team given a huge ovation as they entered the stadium.

An emotional IOC President Jacques Rogge told reporters: "This is a very sad day, the IOC is in deep mourning. Here you have a human being who has lost his life in pursuing his passion.

"He had a dream to participate in the Olympic Games. He trained hard and had his fatal accident. I have no words to say what we feel.

"We have been phoning and contacting the National Olympic Committee of Georgia.

"We have had contact with the family and I just had a phone call with the president of the Republic and we are taking all actions to be able to show our sympathy for the athlete."