Encouraging news from Italy: Alex Zanardi is doing better

It has been almost two months since Alex Zanardi was severely injured in an accident with his handbike. For the second time in his career the racing legend and athlete had to fight for his life, but after a period of silence he seems to be doing better now.

At least that much we can deduce from the last statement of the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where he has been staying since the end of July. He was admitted to intensive care there for a second time after his situation in a rehabilitation centre deteriorated.

No longer in ICU

“After a period during which he was subjected to intensive care following hospitalisation on 24 July, the patient responded with significant clinical improvements. For this reason, he is currently assisted and treated with semi-intensive care at the Neuroreanimation Unit, directed by Professor Luigi Beretta”, the hospital announces.

Zanardi became well known in motor sport for his CART championship victories in the 1990s, but lost both legs in 2001 in an accident at the Lusatia Ring, Europe's largest and fastest oval. With the way in which he managed his handicap afterwards, he also stole the hearts of people outside racing.