Former Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi has secured gold at the London 2012 Paralympics in the H4 handcycling time-trial.
The Italian driver lost both his legs in 2001 during a CART race at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Germany after he span into the path of Alex Tagliani.
The story is an amazing one with Zanardi coming from near-death, after losing nearly three-quarters of his blood, to winning gold just 11 years later.
“This is a great accomplishment, one of the greatest of my life,” Zanardi said.
“I worked very hard to get here. It was great to live such an experience at 45. This moment also brings a little bit of sadness for an adventure the last two years.
“When you are 20, you appreciate medals. When you are 40, you appreciate what you do every day.
“I enjoyed every day of training. I’ve had a magical adventure and this is a fantastic conclusion.”
