According to Roberto Fendt, an economist specialising in public accounts, the government has become too big and too powerful for its own good.

ECONOMIST: A tax revolt against a spendthrift state

"This tragedy casts a shadow over these Games, " said a visibly upset International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge, while International Luge Federation chief Josef Fendt said the incident was "the gravest thing that can happen in sport".

BBC: Olympic luger Nodar Kumaritashvili dies after crash