The 45-year-old double amputee, who lost his legs in  a motor racing accident in 2001, took up handbiking as part of his rehabilitation programme.

Earlier this year, Zanardi (pictured) was selected for the Italian team for the London 2012 Paralympics, where he will compete at the internationally renowned motor racing circuit at Brands Hatch in Kent.

Zanardi admits that, due to his age, London 2012 could be his only Paralympics, but also said that competing at the Games again is not something he has ruled out entirely.

"I feel quite sad that my long journey to London 2012 is nearly over," he told insideworldparasport.

"If I could win a medal; it would be the fairytale ending for me.

"After London, I don't know what the future holds.

"Part of me would like to think that I can make it to Rio in 2016 but I am not a young man and I will be nearly 50 by then.


"Another option is changing sports and trying to go to Sochi in 2014 for the Winter Paralympics.

"That is definitely an idea I will consider."

The Italian also admitted that he believes he can win a medal at London 2012 despite a formidable list of competitors, which includes the likes of reigning Paralympic champion Ernst van Dyk of South Africa.

"Technically, I think a medal is possible," he said.

"If I give everything I have and keep training as hard as I can, I think I have a chance to end up with a good result.

"There are many great competitors in this sport and they will not be easy to beat but this is the Paralympics and anything can happen on the day.

"It isn't just about who is the favourite, it is about who performs under the pressure."

To read the full interview with Alex Zanardi, click here. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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