Two-time CART champion and Paralympic gold medallist Alex Zanardi has been released from hospital, 18 months after suffering horrific injuries in a handbike accident.
The former Formula 1 driver was hit by a truck in June 2020 while competing in a race, suffering extensive head injuries.
He underwent multiple operations at a care facility in Italy.
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Zanardi’s wife, Daniela, has posted an update on the 55-year-old’s condition.
“The recovery continues to be a long process,” she said.
“The rehabilitation programme led by doctors, physiotherapists, neuropsychologists and speech therapists has enabled steady progress. Of course, setbacks are there and can still occur.
“Sometimes you also have to make two steps back in order to make one step forward. But Alex proves again and again that he is a real fighter.
“An important step was that Alex was able to leave hospital a few weeks ago and is back at home with us now.
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“We had to wait very long for this and are very happy that it was possible now, even if there are still temporary stays in special clinics planned for the future to carry out special rehabilitation measures on site.”
Zanardi lost both legs in a terrible crash in Germany in 2001, although he returned to racing in a modified car, using hand controls.
He then turned his attention to handcycling, winning gold medals at both the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.
“You still can’t predict how his recovery will further develop. It is still a long and challenging way that Alex tackles with a lot of fighting spirit,” Daniela said.
“It is a big help for him and us that we receive so much support on this way, not only from the doctors and therapists that intensively work with him.
“We would like to express a big Grazie to all who send their good thoughts and power to Alex. We wish everybody a merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.”
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