Billy Monger: From Racing Driver to Record-Setting Para-Triathlete
Billy Monger has become a beacon of resilience and determination in the world of sports. After a devastating crash in 2017 claimed both of his legs, the professional racing driver chose not to dwell on tragedy but to embark on a remarkable journey. This journey has seen him evolve into a powerful advocate for adaptive sports, a noteworthy fundraiser, and most recently, a world-record-holding para-triathlete.
A Historic Achievement in Kona
In December 2024, Billy made headlines by breaking the Ironman World Record for double amputees at the prestigious Kona event in Hawaii. His remarkable performance included a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, culminating in a record finish that surpassed the previous mark by over two hours. Throughout this challenge, Billy raised significant funds for Comic Relief, combining his athleticism with philanthropy.
Training Regimen and Mental Preparation
Building Endurance from the Ground Up
In a recent interview with Men’s Fitness, Billy shared insights into his demanding training schedule leading up to the Ironman event. Commencing his preparation in October 2023, he gradually increased his training hours from a modest eight per week to an impressive 20 hours weekly as race day approached. “In the final three months, I was training about three hours daily, which allowed my body to adapt fully to the pressures of the race,” he explained.
Tackling Mental Challenges
The mental aspect of preparing for Kona posed its own challenges. “The thought of the environment—excessive heat and humidity—was quite daunting,” he admitted. Billy focused on elements he could control, such as his training, nutrition, and recovery protocols. “Taking it one day at a time prepared me for the race when the moment finally arrived,” he noted.
Endurance Over Strength
When asked about whether his training incorporated strength exercises, Billy confirmed that it was primarily focused on endurance. “My training was centered around endurance. My trainers advised me that building my strength would come naturally through rigorous interval training in the pool, on the bike, and during runs,” he said.
Race Day Reflections and the Upcoming Documentary
Reflecting on race day, Billy described Kona as “everything I could have hoped for.” He achieved a world record, far surpassing his initial expectations despite the grueling conditions. “Knowing I had put everything into my training allowed me to focus on giving my all during the race,” he said. Furthermore, a documentary chronicling his journey and the adaptations he made for each triathlon discipline is set to premiere during Comic Relief on March 19th, offering viewers a look behind the scenes of his training and racing experiences.
Post-Race and Future Endeavors
After crossing the finish line, Billy faced the physical aftermath of his effort. “I was completely exhausted—my body was broken,” he recalled. While the immediate aftermath wasn’t celebratory, he eventually took time to appreciate the monumental achievement with his team, recognizing the journey they all undertook together.
Looking Ahead
Now, as he transitions back into training, Billy expressed a renewed passion for the sport. “Taking a break made me realize how much I love training,” he said, hinting at future challenges but remaining somewhat uncertain about what lay ahead.
Watch the Documentary
Billy’s documentary will be available on BBC iPlayer and is scheduled to air on March 19th as part of Comic Relief, shedding light on his inspiring journey.
For an in-depth view of his experience and training, readers can look out for the full interview in the upcoming May edition of Men’s Fitness magazine.
