LONDON -- Alex Zanardi just loves to race. But what he really likes to do is win.
The former Formula One driver took the gold medal Wednesday in the 16-kilometer (10-mile) handcycling time trial at the London Paralympics.The two-time CART champion who lost both legs in a 2001 race car crash in Germany posted a time of 24 minutes, 50.22 seconds, capping an incredible journey."It's an amazing feeling," a clearly exuberant Zanardi said. "I'm really, really happy for the result."Zanardi, 45, celebrated by sliding out of his cycle and lifting it over his head with one hand and raising his other arm, fist clenched, to the sky.It was unusual. It was on purpose."I'm Alex Zanardi," he said with a huge grin, his Italian accent dragging each syllable. "I always have to come up with something. I have a little bit of a big head."German Norbert Mossandl took silver with a time of 25 minutes, 17.40 seconds.Beijing gold medal winner Oscar Sanchez of the United States, a former U.S. Marine who injured his spinal cord in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in 2001, finished in third in 25 minutes, 35.36 seconds.Powered by the arms, a hand cycle has two coasting rear wheels and one steerable front wheel.Pistorius anchors winOscar Pistorius captured his first gold medal of the London Paralympics, helping South Africa win the 400-meter relay in a world-record time.The double amputee, known as "Blade Runner," anchored the team home to a time of 41.78 seconds. South Africa set the previous world record at 42.50 in February.It is Pistorius' fifth Paralympic gold across three games. He won the 200 in Athens in 2004 and the 100, 200 and 400 in Beijing in 2008.He has already won a silver in the 200 in London after being edged by Alan Oliveira of Brazil in Sunday's final.Pistorius will go for gold in the 100 today after qualifying on Wednesday night, and will defend his 400 title Saturday.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
