Summer Paralympic Games
Russian cross-country skier Aleksandr Bolshunov, center, walks down steps after training at Holmenkollen, near Oslo, Tuesday March 1, 2022. Norway challenged a decision by the International Ski Federation to allow Russians to keep competing, and said it would block them from upcoming rounds of the World Cup that Norway hosts this week. (Annika Byrde/NTB scanpix via AP)
Russians face more sports sanctions, but not at Paralympics

By James Ellingworth Mar. 02, 2022 09:45 AM EST

The front page of Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport showing Pope Francis writing a letter of encouragement to Alex Zanardi, Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Pope Francis is praising Alex Zanardi as an example of strength amid adversity as the Italian auto racing champion-turned-Paralympic gold medalist recovers from a handbike crash. Francis penned a letter of encouragement assuring Zanardi and his family of his prayers that was published on the front page of sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope hails Zanardi's 'lesson of humanity' through disability

Jun. 24, 2020 05:02 AM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 file photo, Alex Zanardi, of Italy, rides during the cycling portion of the Ironman World Championship Triathlon, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Race car driver turned Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has been seriously injured again. Police tell The Associated Press that Zanardi was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Siena following a road accident near the Tuscan town of Pienza during a national race for Paralympic athletes on handbikes. The 53-year-old Zanardi had both of his legs amputated following a horrific crash during a 2001 CART race in Germany. He was a two-time CART champion. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Alex Zanardi has 3-hour head surgery after handbike crash

By Andrew Dampf Jun. 19, 2020 12:27 PM EDT