Alex Zanardi, the former Formula One driver who lost both legs in a racing crash and went on to win Paralympic gold medals, has died at the age of 59. Zanardi, from Bologna, made his F1 debut in 1991 and achieved success in the Cart series in the United States, winning back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998.
His life took a dramatic turn in September 2001 when he was involved in a high-speed crash during a Cart race in Germany that led to the amputation of both legs. Zanardi refused to end his sporting career and instead turned to para-cycling, becoming one of Italy’s most successful Paralympic athletes. He won four gold medals and two silver medals in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games.
