'Heropstanding' van een groot man

[TiBo]

Bron: F1-Live


Not only were last night's Golden Helmet awards in Bologna a very special event for drivers and teams throughout Europe for their successes in the 2001 season, it was also a night of joy for the hundreds that attended the ceremony, for it was here, in front of all his racing colleagues and fans, that Alex Zanardi stood upright again for the first time since his horrific accident last September.

During the course of the evening, awards were handed out to Formula One veteran, Jean Alesi, in recognition of his fantastic career as well as one dedicated to legendary driver Ayrton Senna. Michael Schumacher and Ferrari received the 'Golden Helmet' award for taking the honours in the Formula One drivers and constructors championships, but Michael didn't just receive an award, for just when everyone thought the event was over, he presented one as well, to a smiling standing Alex Zanardi.

It was an emotional moment as the Italian driver shakily stood up from his wheelchair, assisted by two men, one being his doctor Claudio Costa, while the screen above played host to a stream of clips from his prestigious CART career. The audience gave him a standing ovation as the tears flowed unashamedly down their faces at everything this man has lived though.

A collision with Alex Tagliani saw both legs severed and fans watched and waited in horror, praying the former double world CART champion would survive. And survive he did. Now, three months down the track, he continues to be an inspiration to all that know him with his determination to get to the end of what will surely be a very long road, his refusal to succumb to despair and his will to live and continue to enjoy life and the love of his family and friends.

Alex took the microphone and thanked everyone for all their support throughout the past few months, especially his fans, that have supported him through the good times and the bad and it was to them that he dedicated the evening. Despite the fact that he is still unable to walk, Alex has come a long way since that tragic day in Germany when his life was turned upside down and he plans to win what he has called the most important and hardest race of all.

Iemand waarvoor ik ontzettend veel bewondering heb gekregen ...
Het beste, ... Alex !

[Mark]

heb je die foto van hem gezien in de Autosport van deze week?

Wat een kracht straalt die gozer uit....

[Alain]

Van een grote meneer gesproken!
Daar kunnen er veel een puntje aan zuigen.

[Finish]

Even deze thread terug gebruiken om paar fotos neer te planten van een man die serieus veel respect en bewondering verdient:







(En daarmee bedoel ik nu eens niet die kerel rechts op de foto's)