Alex Zanardi’s long recovery continues one year after accident

A fan greets Alex Zanardi in 2016 following he gained a silver medal through the Paralympics Online games, in Rio de Janeiro

Italian previous Formulation 1 driver and Paralympic cycling champion Alex Zanardi nonetheless faces a lengthy street to recovery much more than a yr on from a around-lethal handbike accident, his spouse Daniela stated on Thursday.

In an interview with BMW Motorsport, she stated the 54-yr-previous was in a stable affliction but could not communicate.

“He is in a position to bear schooling programmes for each his brain and his overall body. He can talk with us, but he is nonetheless not able to communicate,” she stated.

“Right after a lengthy time in a coma, the vocal cords have to get back their elasticity. This is only doable as a result of apply and remedy. He nonetheless has a whole lot of strength in his arms and arms, and is schooling intensively on the equipment.

“It is a extremely lengthy journey and at the minute no predictions are created on when he will be in a position to return property.”

Zanardi underwent various operations following being positioned in an induced coma pursuing the June 19, 2020, accident although getting aspect in a street race in Italy on a handbike.

A double Champ Car champion in the United States, the driver experienced to have each of his legs amputated earlier mentioned the knee pursuing a horrific crash in a race in Germany in September 2001.

He recovered to return to the observe in touring cars with BMW ahead of later on getting up paracycling and profitable four Paralympic gold medals.