- Billy Monger, double amputee, broke the Ironman record
- Monger lost both legs after a near-fatal car accident in 2017
Former racing driver Billy Monger lost both legs after an accident in 2017 and has now shocked the sporting world by breaking the Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championships in Hawaii.
Monger, 25, beat the previous Ironman record by two hours, three minutes and three seconds in an astonishing time of 14 hours, 23 minutes and 56 seconds.
He shouted triumphantly as he crossed the finish line after completing the grueling 65-mile (226.3-kilometer) course.
‘What a day! That was the longest day of my life; I felt a lot of love in the field; “That was a really special day,” he said after finishing.
‘All that hard work finally paid off and it couldn’t have gone better, everything went very well.
“There were a few moments: I got stung by a jellyfish and my road was cut off, but considering everything, the problems we could have had, I am absolutely happy.
“It was a race I couldn’t have dreamed of. My support team, as always, are absolutely incredible and a big thank you to them and of course the support of the public. I hope you loved the ride as much as I did and let’s be an IRONMAN!
‘A race record for two hours? That will do!!’
Billy Monger is pictured seconds after breaking the Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championships in Hawaii.
Monger (in the center of the photo) revealed that he had to deal with several setbacks in the race, including a jellyfish sting.
Monger began racing aged just six, but in April 2017, in a British F4 race, he suffered life-changing injuries that resulted in both legs being amputated.
However, after a year he returned to the wheel and has been training in triathlon for several years.
Her inspiring recovery earned her the BBC’s Helen Rollason Sports Personality of the Year Award in 2018 for her outstanding achievements in the face of adversity.
Monger, now a television presenter, is concentrating his efforts on raising money for charities.
The 25-year-old driver had his left leg above the knee and right knee below the knee amputated after his shocking accident in April 2017.
Monger said the Ironman event in Hawaii was the longest day of his life.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Billy and what he has accomplished for himself and others,” said Monger’s mother, Amanda Knight.
“Right now I feel an overwhelming sense of relief that he has crossed the finish line. When he committed to this challenge, I knew he would push himself forward, driven by those he can help with Comic Relief.”
In 2021, Billy attempted another huge challenge: raising money for charities by walking, kayaking and cycling across England.
