&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Alex Zanardi, Italy’s racing icon and paralympic hero, dies aged 59: Family")
Alex Zanardi, the Italian racing icon and Paralympic champion who became a global symbol of resilience, has passed away at 59. One of the most respected and loved Italian sportsmen, Zanardi, who was often credited with helping transform the perception of disability in the country, died on Friday. In a statement issued through the charity he founded (Obiettivo3), his family revealed that he died ‘suddenly’ but also ‘peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends' love.’
His demise came six years after the four-time Paralympic gold medalist suffered a second crash during the Covid-19 pandemic (June 2020), after his handbike crashed into an oncoming truck during a race in Tuscany.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also hailed Zanardi as "a great champion and an extraordinary man, capable of turning every trial of life into a lesson in courage, strength and dignity".
Cordiano Dagnoni, head of the Italian Cycling Federation, said he "transformed the culture of our country, bringing joy and happiness to those fortunate enough to know him, and hope to so many in Italy and around the world".
He said there would be a minute's silence observed at this weekend's races in tribute to the athlete.
From F1 to CART, back to F1 and Paralympics!
Zanardi raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the CART championship in the United States, where he was series champion in 1997 and 1998. He returned to F1 with Williams in 1999 before heading back to CART.
Zanardi almost died in a horrific accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring track in Germany, after which he had both legs amputated. His car had stalled in the middle of the track after a spin and was struck by another car at a speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph). Yet he went on to become one of the best-known figures in Paralympic sports, winning two gold medals at the 2012 London Games and two more in Rio de Janeiro, four years later.
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In June 2020, he was involved in another terrible accident, this time in Tuscany. He suffered serious head injuries and only returned home 18 months later.
Zanardi, born in Bologna on October 23, 1966, leaves his wife Daniela and son Niccolo.
(With inputs from AFP)
