Many days, we use the BMW of Southampton blog as a platform to share specs on new BMWs or details on the latest technology BMW is busying themselves creating. Today, however, we're putting all of those things on the back burner to, instead, focus on a man who really knows what it means to thrive: Mr. Alex Zanardi.
Racing fans, might know the name from CART (a competition in which he was named champion - twice) and Formula One (another of his success stories) in the late 90's… You might also know him from his near-fatal crash early in the New Millennium, in which he lost both of his legs.
Demonstrating great spirit, Zanardi quickly picked himself up and re-entered the racing circuit in 2003. Specifically, he joined BMW Team Italy-Spain, which he competed on behalf of for the next six years.
In 2009, Zanardi decided it was time to shift directions and took up a different kind of racing…racing on three, rather than four wheels. Yes, we're talking about handbiking. And, Just as he had on the traditional track, Zanardi immediately met the sport with great success, winning two medals a couple of short years later.
Fast forward another year to present day and Zanardi is planning to represent Italy in the 2012 Summer Paralympics. As far as the Gold goes…Let's just say, he isn't planning to give any of his rivals a chance.
We don't know about you, but BMW of Southampton serving Smithtown, Bay Shore and Hampton Bays, New York, finds this story incredibly inspiring. We've recently watched the video documenting this new chapter of Zanardi's life and highly recommend it to everyone, regardless of whether or not you're a BMW enthusiast. While it is indeed produced by BMW, there isn't so much as a hint of sales pitch in it. Rather, it offers profound insight into how Zanardi thrives the way he does - and without any pomp and circumstance. Zanardi, despite all that he's accomplished in his fast-tracked life, is most humble.
To view BMW-produced "Alessandro Zanardi - Golden dreams" and see exactly what we're talking about, visit YouTube on your next work break. We'd love it if you left a comment telling us, and all BMW of Southampton blog readers exactly what you think.