Friday 2nd November 2007

Marathon Man

Alex Zanardi takes on NYC marathon this Sunday

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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.

[molineux1980]

Inspirational stuff. I applaud him.

[WombatinSwansea]

Used to drive for Lotus didn't he?
What a man.

[Marki]

He is a real fighter thats for sure

[The Hitman]

A true legend in his own right.

Very inspirational...right, whos up for the gym?

[jon-]

The man is a hero

I've so much respect for his attitude

[red_zed]

what a guy- great stuff!

best of luck to him at the weekend!

[Matron]

Wow!

[Turbobanana]

I seem to remember that his wife / girlfriend was on the phone to BMW while he was still in hospital, arranging a hand-controlled car for him to race...

Inspirational stuff indeed.

[clonmult]

Turbobanana said:

I seem to remember that his wife / girlfriend was on the phone to BMW while he was still in hospital, arranging a hand-controlled car for him to race...

Inspirational stuff indeed.

Blimey, the missus sounds inspirational as well.

Just imagine what FA would be like under the same circumstances - not a chance that he'd continue racing, is there?

Zanardi is a total pistonhead, athlete and by the sounds of it, an all round top guy.

[Dodgey_Rog]

I was going to take the other half to watch the marathon on Sunday as she's in for the weekend, wasn't too sure but definately will now.

[Mastiff]

We were at the Autosport dinnier when he recieved an award a couple of years ago.

When he stood to recieve it the place erupted, with tables full of men and women all applauding furiously with tears in their eyes.

Quite a moment.

[Mr E]

Did he not go back out in a modified Indycar to finish the 20 or so laps he missed after the crash that cost him his legs a few years after the event?

The man is a hero.

[Gizmo535]

Brilliant. All power to him.

Of course, he's quick because he's missing 20 kgs of leg!

[Racefan_uk]

Mr E said:

Did he not go back out in a modified Indycar to finish the 20 or so laps he missed after the crash that cost him his legs a few years after the event?

Yes, and set a lap time that would have put him sixth on the grid for that years race!
The guy truly is a legend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y03LlTOF7dQ

Driving in Germany doing the last 13 laps.

Edited by Racefan_uk on Friday 2nd November 19:39

[gtr-gaz]

I can recommend his autobiography

The man should be an inspiration to us all!!

[Nick_F]

'...necessitate the amputation of both legs.'

Bit of an understatement.

[MartinMGBGTSV8]

On the 'amputation of both legs' bit, its actually pretty obvios from the crash photos that the crash itself amputated both his legs. The bloke was near enough sawn in half in the accident, which means that not only has his rehabilitation been an inspirational story, but his very survival was amazing in itself.

I'm a firm believer that for many umputees the real disability is giving up. My brother lost his left arm and half his right hand as a child and it didn't prevent him from doing anything the rest of us did. He never gave up and as such nobody who knows him regards him as disabled.

[sprinter885]

Quite -he's re-defining BALLSY

[gtr-gaz]

Anyone know how he did?

I watched a fair bit of it, but no mention of Alex!

[clonmult]

From his web site :

http://www.alex-zanardi.com/

4th place, 1:33:17

He's got a great sense of humour on there - he talks of the bike being front wheel drive, so he's not used to the handling!