Alex Zanardi at the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships
Alex Zanardi lost both of his legs in an Indy car crash in 2001. After waking up from a coma a week after the accident, he was determined to find a way to continue doing the things that he was passionate about. Less than two years later, Zanardi was back to auto racing, and he continued to compete in the FIA World Touring Car Championship until 2009.
Now in his early 50s, Zanardi is one of the top handcyclists in the world. I had a chance to photograph him in action when he competed in the 2014 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, which took place in my hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. Racing for his home country of Italy, he dominated both the road race and time trial, and won the world championships in both events. After the races, Zanardi was gracious and friendly to competitors and spectators alike... truly a champion and an all-around nice guy.
Taken with a Nikon D50, f 4 at 1/800 sec. If you are interested in seeing more of my photos from the Para-cycling Worlds, find the links in this post at my old blog (which is no longer updated).
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Amazing courage and strength!
Yes, he is an inspiration.
Alex is amazing and very dedicated person. Living proof that you should never give up and that no matters what - goals are achievable. Thank you very much for sharing his inspiring story with SteemIt community!
You are welcome, and thanks for the comment. I agree with everything you said about Alex.
cool!
Yeah, it was cool to watch Zanardi...and all of the other amazing athletes in these races.
Thank you for sharing! This is an incredible story! I always question myself where do people find the strength to continue! Simply admiration!
Really like the second shot! :)
Thanks! I had a hard time deciding whether to feature the first or second shot.
It is a pretty inspiring story. I also admire Zanardi's pure determination to succeed in the face of adversity.