The 45-year-old Italian (pictured) was the victim of a major crash at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz track in Germany on September 15, 2001.

There he lost both legs as well as nearly three-quarters of his blood volume as he collided with the car of Canadian driver Alex Tagliani.

After taking up handcycling as part of his rehabilitation, Zanardi has now proved to be the best in the world at the sport by winning the time trial.

In sunny but windy conditions, the Italian proved the master of the uphill sections on the course, claiming victory in 24min 50.22sec to finish over 27 seconds ahead of his nearest rival – Germany's Nobert Mosandl.

Oscar Sanchez of the United States took bronze, finishing 45 seconds back from Zanardi.

However, it is the emotional victory of the Italian that is now one of the great stories of these Games.

"This is a great accomplishment, one of the greatest of my life," said an ecstatic Zanardi following the outstanding win.

"I worked very hard to get here and it was great to live such an experience at 45.

"But this moment also brings a little bit of sadness for an adventure that lasted for two years to get here."

Zanardi, who had previously raced here at Brands Hatch in a motor car, admitted it had been tough taking on the venue without one.

"With an engine pushing me, I didn't realise it was so hilly," he said.

"It is very hard, but if I had to design a course, this is what I would have done.

"It is beautiful, hard, it suits my characteristics of an old man."

Before his accident, Zanardi's best result at the famous track was finishing second while competing in International Formula 3000.

After losing his legs, Zanardi (pictured below) returned in 2008 to take third place in a specially adapted car as part of an Italian-Spanish team that finished third in the World Touring Car Championship.

But today was his first Brands Hatch win and means that Zanardi was finally able to take his place on the top of the podium at the track in Kent.

"When you are 20, you appreciate medals," he said.

"When you are 40, you appreciate what you do every day.

"I have been really lucky to experience Formula One and motor racing.

"I didn't realise at the time, but I do realise now what a fantastic time of my life that was.

"And it is great to live it again here at 45.

"I am a lucky person."

Prior to the Games, Zanardi had been warned that at his age, London 2012 could be both his first and last Paralympics.

Whether this proves to be the case or not, the Italian has added another scintillating chapter to his amazing life story, undoubtedly to be marked as one of sport's greatest ever comebacks.

"You should not chase pipe-dreams, but if you have a horizon to look into, happiness is just around the corner," Zanardi said.

"I've had a magical adventure and this is a fantastic conclusion."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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