Billy Monger eyes 2028 Paralympics after record-breaking Ironman exploits

Former racing driver Billy Monger plans to compete in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles after receiving royal recognition for his record-breaking Ironman exploits.

The 25-year-old broke the Ironman world record for a double amputee on Saturday by completing the 140.6-mile World Championship course in Kona, Hawaii, in 14 hours, 23 minutes and 56 seconds.

His remarkable effort, which followed a year of grueling training alongside his work as a television presenter, eclipsed the previous best mark – set by American Roderick Sewell – by more than two hours.

Monger, who was congratulated by the Prince of Wales on his achievement of raising money for Comic Relief, believes a chance at para-triathlon glory in Los Angeles is a possibility.

“Oddly enough, after spending a year of my life training for triathlon and the Kona Ironman, my coaches Mark and Will, they slowly drip-dropped a few hints here and there about Los Angeles in 2028,” he said. the PA news agency.

“It’s definitely something that they’ve made me think about, that the Paralympics will be in four years, but that could be a possibility.

“I loved the process of training for Kona and I learned a lot throughout this experience, so I would definitely never say never.”

Monger, whose legs were amputated after being involved in a near-fatal accident while running at Donington Park in 2017, overcame jellyfish stings to take on the “toughest challenge” of his life.

He completed the 2.4-mile swim in 1:07:29, the 112-mile cycle in 7:26:50 and the marathon in 5:26:26.

Prince William responded to the feat by posting: “Well done Billy, inspiring effort. W’ on social media, while Tottenham supporter Monger also received praise from his favorite football club.

“It’s truly mind-blowing to see Prince William knowing and responding to the challenge and what we’ve accomplished,” Monger said.

“It’s a bit surreal to get royal opinion and support for such a challenge. But it really means a lot to know that I had the whole nation behind me and I really felt that support throughout the whole process.

“I am absolutely delighted and really full of pride. It has been a long journey and there have been many hours, many sacrifices to take on a challenge of this magnitude.

“At first it was a bit of a pipe dream and to go there and beat the world record by over two hours was beyond my wildest expectations.”

Monger, who has covered Formula 1 and the Paris 2024 Paralympics during his broadcasting career, as well as taking part in Celebrity Race Across The World, raised £3.2m for Comic Relief in 2021 by walking , kayaking and cycling 140 miles across England.

He hopes to surpass that figure following the success of his latest challenge, which was completed in Hawaii thanks in part to the previous world record set by Sewell in 2019.

“There were a lot of mental and physical moments where it felt like the body was close to breaking point,” said Monger, who still dreams of racing in Formula 1.

“Who knows what’s next for me? What challenges go beyond this? I don’t know.

“Motorsport has been my passion since a young age, it’s what I know, so I certainly wouldn’t rule anything out from a motorsport perspective.

“But I also really enjoyed being my own engine, which is what Ironman and triathlon are all about.

“The effort I put in in training translates into performance on race day, so it was good to get the most out of what I put in.”

“I’m still on the crest of a wave.”

:: Visit comicrelief.com/billyironchallenge for more information or to donate.