Zanardi in training for the NYC marathon
If you would like a pretty comprehensive example of grabbing life by the kahunas despite some pretty adverse conditions, then look no further than the recent career of Alex Zanardi.
Despite not being that competitive in F1 in the 90s, Zanardi’s switch back to open-wheel racing in America looked to be a positive move.
However, at the Champ Car championship’s 2001 visit to the Eurospeedway Lausitz, in Germany, he was involved in a crash that would put him in a coma for a week and necessitate the amputation of both legs.
However, instead of retiring and accepting his fate, Zanardi regained his fitness and began racing for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship, where he has raced very competitively ever since, including taking his first win during the 2005 campaign,
This Sunday, Zanardi faces a very different challenge when he lines up to compete in the New York City marathon.
He will be cheered on by two million spectators who will line the 26.2mile route as he pilots a specially-designed hand cycle.
Ever the competitor, the first time Zanardi took his cycle out just a month ago he managed a 36-mile distance. He shouldn't have too much trouble finishing the race, and we wish him all the best as he guns to set a record time.
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