Italian paralympic champion Alex Zanardi dies at 59

Saturday 02 May 2026 - 09:00

The world of sport is mourning the loss of Alex Zanardi, the former racing driver and Paralympic champion, who has died at the age of 59. Widely admired for both his achievements and his resilience, Zanardi leaves behind a legacy that transcends motorsport.

Born in Bologna, Zanardi began his professional career in Formula 1 in the early 1990s, competing for several teams and gaining recognition for his determination on the track. Although his time in Formula 1 brought mixed results, he later found success in other racing categories, establishing himself as a respected figure in international motorsport.

His life took a dramatic turn in 2001 during a race at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany, where he suffered a severe crash that resulted in the amputation of both legs. Rather than ending his career, the accident marked the beginning of a remarkable new chapter.

Zanardi reinvented himself as a Paralympic athlete, excelling in handcycling. He achieved extraordinary success at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where he won multiple gold medals, along with numerous world titles. His achievements made him one of the most inspiring figures in adaptive sports.

In 2020, Zanardi was involved in another serious accident while competing in a handbike event, which led to a long period of hospitalization and rehabilitation. Despite his determination to recover, his health remained fragile in the years that followed.

His passing was confirmed by his family and by Obiettivo 3, the organization he founded to support athletes with disabilities. Zanardi will be remembered not only for his sporting accomplishments but also for his unwavering spirit and ability to overcome adversity.