Tomás Elías González Benítez: "The story of Alex Zanardi is an example of overcoming and love of life"

Barquisimeto, Lara Jan 7, 2022 (Issuewire.com) - The new article, written by Venezuelan journalist Tomás Elías González Benítez, reveals a unique figure in Paralympic sport, Alex Zanardi.

The athlete is an example in sports and extra sports, thanks to his experiences and philosophy.

Zanardi is the reflection of many people, who, after an accident, have had to start a new life.

Tomás Elías González Benítez publishes on his blog how the sport is a magical way to improve and Zanardi, an inspiration.

The never-finished relay race of the Obiettivo Tricolore

Alex Zanardi shared the following publication on Facebook, just when he was immersed in the Obiettivo Tricolore:

"I often say that life must be loved by filling it with attempts and that even when life imposes unexpected difficulties on you, continuing to smile at it is the only way to make things happen". 

The great relay, in June, had the participation of more than 50 Paralympic athletes, including Zanardi himself.

The objective was to pass the baton, from hand to hand, throughout Italy to launch a message of rebirth.

Alex Zanardi: the 2001 accident that changed his life 

Alessandro Zanardi, for everyone Alex, born in 1966, from Bologna, is the one who, once again, saw death on his face.

After a successful career in the racing world, his life was changed by accident on September 15, 2001, when he was the victim of a terrible collision, where he lost both legs.

The journalist, Tomás Elías González Benítez, believes that Zanardi's strength was already incredible when he began his new life:

"When I woke up without legs I looked at the half that was left, not the half that was missing". 

Since then, after a problematic rehabilitation, Alex began a second life and his strong social commitment to give more opportunities to people with disabilities.

The Italian fights for unlimited mobility accessible to all, a commitment that was crowned in 2018 with the launch of the Objective 3 project.

Since his accident, Zanardi began participating in numerous events for disabled athletes.

The victories accompany Alex Zanardi

In the professional sphere, Tomás Elías González Benítez also praises Alex Zanardi:

"He has become an example for many people, but also at the sporting level: eight world titles, two gold medals and a silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games". 

At the 2015 Nottwill World Championship in Switzerland, he climbs to the podium's top step in every race in which he participates.

He won for the fifth time the Rome Marathon in the handbike category in 2016.

Ultimately, a second life opens for the champion who dedicated his life to Formula One and has achieved excellent results in many other car competitions.

But there is still one dream to come true: to get back behind the wheel of a racing car.

The return to racing with BMW

BMW announced that Alessandro Zanardi was returning behind the wheel of a race car for the season finale of the Italian GT Series Endurance Championship at Monza.

"I want to get back behind the wheel", Zanardi recounted. 

The story of Zanardi fascinates Tomás Elías González Benítez, who shares these statements by the athlete:

"Surely I would never have wanted something like this to happen, but in everything, there are always different aspects and not everything is always negative. The sun will rise and there will be time to do other things".

A song for Alex Zanardi

The last and exciting invitation to not give up came with the notes of Don't stop me now by Queen.

Dedicated to him, the Paralympic athletes chose to sing, all together, the Queen's anthem, to show closeness to the champion, after his serious injury.

Dozens of athletes and friends have come together to perform one of Alex's most beloved pieces of music: Bebe Vio, singer Annalisa Minetti, Martina Caironi, Daniele Cassioli, the swimmer Simone Barlaam, Giulia Ghiretti, Mario Bertolaso, Nicole Orlando.

Media Contact

Tomás Elías González Benítez

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