Alex Zanardi: Former F1 driver moved to specialist recovery centre a month after serious handbike crash
Four-time Paralympic champion has been in an induced coma since suffering serious head injuries in a training crash in Italy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Italian former Formula One driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has been transferred to a specialist recovery centre a month after suffering serious head injuries in a handbike accident, the hospital treating him said on Tuesday.
The 53-year-old was placed in a medically-induced coma and has had three operations at Siena's Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital since the accident during a road race near the Italian city on 19 June.
Zanardi is an inspirational figure in the worlds of motorsport and Paralympic endeavour, a hugely popular and positive competitor who returned from life-changing injuries with a smile.
The hospital said in a statement that Zanardi's sedation had been suspended, allowing him to be transferred.
"The stability of the general clinical conditions and the neurological picture allowed the transfer of the champion to a specialised centre for recovery and functional rehabilitation," it said.
"Alex Zanardi was therefore transferred today to another facility."
A double Champ Car champion in the United States, Zanardi had to have both of his legs amputated above the knee following a horrific crash in a race in Germany in September 2001.
He recovered to return to the track in touring cars before later taking up paracycling and winning four Paralympic gold medals.
Pope Francis wrote to him last month, calling his life a "lesson of humanity".
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments