Photographer in the frame over track soaking

Germany's Natalie Geisenberger speeds down the track during a training run for the women's singles luge event at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, British Columbia February 14, 2010.

WHISTLER (Reuters) - A photographer caused a delay during a crucial moment of the women's luge competition on Tuesday when he accidentally knelt on a switch that sent water spurting on to the track.

Germany's bronze medallist Natalie Geisenberger was just about to push off for her fourth run down the Whistler course when a red warning light flashed at the starting gate -- causing a two-minute delay.

"It was a hold put on the track as a result of a hydrant being accidentally activated, spraying water on the track. It was a obviously a matter of safety for the athlete," race director Ed Moffat said.

Geisenberger, who did not make a fuss over the incident, missed silver by a fraction of a second.

(Editing by Jon Bramley)