Fifteen years ago Thursday, Italian driver Alex Zanardi, among the most popular Indy Car racers of his era, lost both his legs in a crash at EuroSpeedway in Germany. Zanardi, a four-time Champ Car champion, famous for his post-victory doughnuts and pineapple-emblazoned helmet, would never walk again without the aid of prosthetics. He did, however, adopt a new sport: handcycling. In Rio on Tuesday, Zanardi won gold in the H5-level men’s Time Trial.
The victory marked Zanardi’s fourth Paralympic medal, and third gold, after a decorated paracycling debut at the 2012 Games. In London, Zanardi won the H4-class cycling road time trial, as well as the road race.
“I feel very lucky,” Zanardi told BBC after his victory in Wednesday’s race. “I feel my life is a never-ending privilege.”
After taking up handcycling, Zanardi started competing in long-distance races, and has since finished first in the wheelchair divisions of the Venice Marathon, Rome City Marathon, and New York City Marathon. He’s also competed in the Ironman World Championship—using a handbike for the cycling section, and a wheelchair for the running section.
Zanardi followed up Wednesday’s gold with a silver medal on Thursday in the H5-class Road Race, narrowly losing to Russia’s Ernst Van Dyk. Zanardi previously had competed in touring car events in the years after his accident, winning multiple races in a specially modified BMW.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.