Zanardi, four-time Paralympic champion and ex-F1 driver, dies aged 59

TL;DR

Alessandro Zanardi, a four-time Paralympic champion and former F1 driver, has died at 59. He lost both legs in a 2001 racing accident but later excelled in para-cycling, winning multiple medals.

Key points

Alessandro Zanardi died at the age of 59.
He was a four-time Paralympic champion.
Zanardi lost both legs in a 2001 racing accident.
He won four golds and two silvers at the Paralympics.
He transitioned to para-cycling after his accident.

Mentioned in this story

Alessandro ZanardiBMW

Italian BMW works driver Alessandro Zanardi celebrates after finishing the long-distance triathlon in Hawaii. Fabio Bozzani/BMW Group/dpa

Paralympic champion and ex-Formula One driver Alessandro 'Alex' Zanardi has died at the age of 59, his family said in a statement on Saturday.

The Italian lost both legs in a car racing accident at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany in 2001.

He then astounded the sporting world by taking up para-cycling, winning four golds and two silver medals at the Paralympics.

Zanardi had competed in more than 40 Formula One races between 1991 and 1999. He drove for the likes of Lotus and Williams, where he was a team-mate of Ralf Schumacher. He scored one solitary point.

His family did not provide details about the cause of death. They said Zanardi died suddenly on Friday evening.

"Alex fell asleep peacefully, surrounded by the affection of his loved ones," their statement said.

After his Formula One career ended, he suffered the life-changing accident after a pit-stop during a CART series race at the Lausitzring. His legs had to be amputated.

He later enjoyed success in hand-cycling at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"Alex was a pioneer, icon and legend of the Paralympic movement," an Instagram post from the Paralympics said.

"His performances were truly out of this world, engaged new fans to the Games and showed the world that anything is possible."

He also won 12 para-cycling world titles.

Cycling's governing body the UCI said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Alessandro Zanardi.

"The UCI pays tribute to a legend of para-cycling, a true inspiration and an incredible fighter. His achievements and legacy will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Alessandro."

Italian PM Meloni leads tributes

In 2020 in another accident, he lost control of his hand-bike during a charity race in Tuscany and collided with a lorry. He suffered severe head and facial injuries and his life was in danger for some time.

Q&A

What caused Alessandro Zanardi's death?

The cause of Alessandro Zanardi's death has not been specified in the statement from his family.

How many Paralympic medals did Alessandro Zanardi win?

Alessandro Zanardi won four gold medals and two silver medals at the Paralympics.

What happened to Alessandro Zanardi in 2001?

In 2001, Alessandro Zanardi lost both legs in a car racing accident at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany.

What sports did Alessandro Zanardi compete in after his accident?

After his accident, Alessandro Zanardi took up para-cycling and became a successful athlete in that sport.