Alex ZanardiFormer Formula One racing driver and Paralympic champion has died at the age of 59. He is a hero of the 21st century.
Zanardi was a man who inspired millions with his indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Icons from two different sports.
Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, said Zanardi’s “journey from life-changing accident to Paralympic gold medalist has made him one of the sport’s most respected competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination.”
Alex Zanardi suffered serious head injury in car accident
this Italian died on Friday, nearly six years after a serious head illness Injuried He was involved in an accident while racing his manual bicycle, the vehicle on which he achieved the extraordinary feat of winning four times paralympics Gold medalist and 12-time world champion.
It marks the second chapter of his successful career in sport, following major achievements as a racing driver, competing in multiple seasons of Formula 1 and winning two titles in the US IndyCar series.
Alex Zanardi’s family releases statement
Zanardi’s family announced: “It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Alessandro Zanardi, who happened suddenly last night, May 1st.”
“Alex passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends.
“The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who have expressed their support at this time and ask that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning.”
The family has not revealed the exact cause of his death.
Georgia Meloni expresses condolences
Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni said her country had lost “a great champion and an extraordinary man, who was able to transform every test of life into lessons of courage, strength and dignity”.
She added: “Alex Zanardi knows how to come back every time and face the toughest challenges with truly remarkable determination, clarity and mental strength.
“With his sporting achievements, his example and his humanity, he gave us all more than just a victory: He gave us hope, pride and the strength to never give up.
“On behalf of myself and the government, I send my heartfelt thoughts and best regards to his family and all those who loved him.
“Thank you for everything, Alex.”
Alex Zanardi’s career
In 2001, the Italian racing driver had both legs amputated in an accident during the US Champ Car Championship in Lausitzring, Germany.
He raced in F1 for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in the early 1990s before switching to the US Cart Championship, winning the series in 1997 and 1998 before returning to F1 with Williams for the 1999 season.
After the injury, he embraced handcycling and won two gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, a feat he repeated four years later in Rio de Janeiro.
After the accident, Zanardi returned to motorsport and won four World Touring Car Championships with BMW between 2005 and 2009.
In addition to his handcycling achievements at the Paralympic Games, he is a 12-time world champion and won the men’s paracycling race at the 2011 New York City Marathon.
Zanardi, who was born in Bologna, suffered serious head injuries when he lost control of his manual bike during a road race in Tuscany in 2020, causing a collision with an oncoming truck.
During the 2012 London Paralympic Games, Zanardi won both the H4 time trial and the H4 road race, and was selected as the Italian team’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony.
At the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, he won gold medals in the H5 time trial and relay events.
