Alex Zanardi tackles triathlon using only his arms
CART, Formula 1 driver lost legs in 2001 accident
Remember Alex Zanardi? The two-time CART champion and former Formula One driver suffered a devastating injury after a crash in 2001, resulting in the amputation of his legs.
He since went on to win two gold medals for Italy at the 2012 London Paralympics in handcycling.
Now, he's moving onto another challenge: The Ironman triathlon.
On the weekend, Zanardi completed his first Ironman — using only his arms — in Hawaii. He used a wet vest for the swim, a handcycle for the biking portion and an Olympic wheelchair for the run.
"The last 300 metres were worth everything, they were worth being here for," Zanardi said. "I don't know if everybody got cheered the same way, but when I passed down that narrow lane, I have never experienced anything like that.
“It was amazing. I was always close to crying. I am not an emotional guy for these types of things, but this was very special."
What a feel: thousands of people cheering you at the line and the speaker shouting: Alex Zanardi, YOU are an IRONMAN! <a href="http://t.co/FS0cIV9hrP">pic.twitter.com/FS0cIV9hrP</a>
—@lxznr