Niki Lauda, a 3-time Formula 1 World Champion, dies at 70. Niki was involved in a race car accident in August 1976.
He was trapped in his burning Ferrari for several moments and sustained multiple injuries including severe burns on the head. He recovered so fast that he was able to return to competition in six weeks and came close to regaining his title.
He later won the title 2 more times before retiring. He went on to become a highly successful entrepreneur. The story of Niki is long and rich. His speedy recovery has been reported countless times, but the less mentioned part was while he was lying in hospital, he looked so bad that people didn’t give him much chance of surviving. A clergy was called in to administer last rights and he did so without asking Niki how he felt even though Niki was fully awake.
Niki would later say that that action made him resolve not to die. His indomitable spirit would show up again and again. My greatest respect for him. How I wish I could emulate him.
