Alex Zanardi, CART champion and Paralympic gold medalist, dies at 59
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The auto racing world mourns the loss of Alex Zanardi. The Italian Formula 1 driver, who became a Paralympic champion, has died after two life-changing accidents, his family announced on Saturday. He was 59 years old.
The family confirmed that Zanardi was with his loved ones when he died. “Alex died peacefully, surrounded by the love of those closest to him,” the family said in a statement. he said. The cause of death was not stated.
Zanardi’s family also said, “We would like to thank everyone who is sharing their support at this time and asking for respect during this time of mourning.”
Zanardi was seriously injured in a handbike accident during a relay race in Italy in 2020, colliding with an oncoming truck. He suffered facial and skull trauma and was placed in a medically induced coma.
CLICK TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS FOXNEWS.COM
Italy’s Alessandro Zanardi celebrates his gold medal after winning the individual time trial H4 category in men’s road cycling at the 2012 Paralympic Games at Brands Hatch motor racing circuit near London on September 5, 2012. (Alastair Grant/AP)
Nearly two decades ago, Zanardi lost both of his legs in an auto racing accident.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to Zanardi in a post on
Zanardi won back-to-back championships in CART in the USA in 1997 and 1998. He then returned to F1 for a short time.
He eventually returned to the United States in 2001, competing in a CART event in Germany, where both of his legs were severed in a horrific accident the weekend after the September 11 terrorist attacks. CART competed because the series was already in Germany at the time of the attacks and could not return to the United States.
Figure Skater MAXIM NAUMOV MADE THE USA OLYMPIC TEAM A YEAR AFTER LOST TWO PARENTS IN THE TRAGIC DC PLANE CRASH.
Zanardi was in a coma for three days after the accident in 2001.
During his recovery, Zanardi designed his own prosthesis and learned to walk again. He then turned his attention to hand cycling and became one of the most successful athletes in this sport in the world.
He won four gold medals and two silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games, competed in the New York City Marathon and broke the Ironman record.
Driver Alex Zanardi (24) of BMW Team RLL BMW M8 GTE appears ahead of the Rolex 24 at Daytona at Daytona International Speedway on January 26, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire)
To start racing again after his crash in 2001, Zanardi used specially adapted cars with hand controls for acceleration and braking.
Stefano Domenicali, F1’s president and CEO, said he was “deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend” and described Zanardi as “a truly inspirational person and athlete.”
“He faced challenges that would have stopped anyone, yet he always kept looking forward with a smile and a dogged determination that inspired us all,” Domenicali added. “Although his loss is deeply felt, his legacy remains strong.”
Italian Alex Zanardi crosses the finish line at the IRONMAN 70.3 Emilia Romagna in Cervia, Italy, on September 22, 2019. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Following Zanardi’s accident in 2020, Pope Francis praised him as a symbol of strength against adversity and sent a handwritten letter offering encouragement and prayers.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Zanardi held a moment of silence ahead of Saturday’s F1 sprint race in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Italian Olympic Committee also called for a moment of silence at sporting events across Italy.
Zanardi is survived by his wife Daniela and son Niccolò.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
