Sport · The Guardian
Alex Zanardi, former F1 driver and Paralympic champion, dies at 59
Italian driver lost both legs in high-speed cart race crash He went on to win four Paralympic golds as a para-cyclist Alex Zanardi, the former Formula One driver who lost both legs in a racing crash and went on to win Paralympic gold medals, has died at the age of 59, his family said on Saturday. Zanardi, from Bologna, made his F1 debut in 1991 and later achieved success in the Cart series in the United States, winning back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998.
“Alex passed away peacefully, surrounded of his family and friends. “The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who are showing their support at this time and asks that their grief and privacy be respected during this period of mourning.” Stefano Domenicali, F1 president, said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened of my dear friend Alex Zanardi. He was truly an inspirational person, as a human and as an athlete. I will always carry with me his extraordinary strength. He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he continued to look forward, always with a smile and a stubborn determination that inspired us all. “While his loss is profoundly felt, his legacy remains strong.” Zanardi also claimed multiple world championship titles in para-cycling and became a powerful advocate for athletes with disabilities. His life took another blow in 2020 when he was seriously injured after being struck while competing in a charity para-cycling relay in Tuscany. He sustained serious head injuries and spent years undergoing treatment. The FIA, motor sports’ global body, paid tribute to the Italian, posting on X : “The FIA is saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Zanardi, the former Formula 1 driver, two-time CART champion whose journey from life-changing accident to Paralympics gold medallist made him one of sport’s most admired competitors and an enduring symbol of courage and determination.” Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, 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”.
The Italian Olympic Committee called for a minute’s silence at all sports events in Italy over the weekend in his honour. “We’ve lost a great champion and a great man, who was capable of bouncing back multiple times when faced with life’s difficulties,” the Coni president, Luciano Buonfiglio, said. Zanardi, born in Bologna on October 23, 1966, leaves his wife Daniela and son Niccolo. Explore more on these topics
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