Sarah Burke, the former Canadian X Games star who died in 2012, lives on in the hearts of the Canadian team who honored her during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games.
Only 29 years old then, Sarah Burke died in a tragic skiing accident while training in Park Cit, Utah. The January 2012 accident left her with a brain injury that eventually led to her death.
Her team gave a beautiful tribute to the fallen Sarah Burke on Feb. 20 which moved Burke's father and the rest of the world to tears.
“[The tribute was] far beyond what I thought it would be,” said Sarah’s father Gord Burke, who traveled to Russia from Toronto, after the stunning tribute. “I never really imagined so much love for one person. So much passion and energy.”
Australia's Torah Bright shared her own strong opinion against the IOC's decision to ban stickers honoring Sarah Burke during the 2014 Sochi Olympics in an Instagram message she posted Feb. 7.
“Tonight marks the beginning of the 2014 Olympic Games. I am at these Olympics for multiple reason. Firstly, to represent my country and share with the world the sport which has blessed my life with beauty and joy. I am also here to honor my great friend Sarah Burke who left this world two years ago. I ride with a Sarah sticker on my snowboard and helmet always," Bright said on Instagram.
"The IOC however, consider Sarah stickers “a political statement” and have banned them. WOW. Sarah is a beautiful, talented, powerful women, who’s spirit inspires me still. She is a big reason why skier pipe/slope are now Olympic events. Lastly, My dear friends lost their first born yesterday. Neena and Andy your strength overwhelms me. More than anything, I wish I was there with you, to support you in love, as you have done for me through my own hardships. I will draw from your strength and do what I need to do. With an aching heart, I board… For your beautiful Indira. #godbewithyou”
