My brother Steve nominates the racing driver Alex Zanardi for the Amputee of the Week award. He is the perfect candidate but his story is so compelling that I didn't want to wait until Friday (when I name the new AOTW) to tell it.

Zanardi lost both his legs above the knee in September 2001 when he was involved in a horrendous accident during a race. 18 months on he has just finished the 13 laps he failed to complete on that fateful day. He completed them in a racing car modified by friends and supporters. Zanardi describes his rehabilitation as "the longest pit stop in the history of motor sport." Now that's determination.

Zanardi was the subject of the double-page spread in yesterday's Sunday Times, which is reproduced below. There's another piece on him here. Never mind Amputee of the Week. He should be Amputee of the Year -- at least.

Sunday Times: Alex Zanardi

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