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Racing driver Billy Monger, who had both legs amputated after a horror crash, sets an incredible sporting record – surpassing the old milestone by more than TWO HOURS

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Racing driver Billy Monger, who had both legs amputated after a horror crash, sets an incredible sporting record – surpassing the old milestone by more than TWO HOURS

  • Double amputee Billy Monger broke the Ironman record
  • Monger lost both of his legs after a near-fatal car accident in 2017

By James Cooney for Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Former racing driver Billy Monger lost both his legs after a crash in 2017 and now he has stunned the sporting world by breaking the Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championships in Hawaii.

Monger, 25, smashed 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 in triumph as he crossed the finish line after completing the grueling 226.3 km (65 mile) course.

‘What a day! That was the longest day of my life – I just felt so much love on the court; that was a really special day,” he said afterwards.

“All that hard work paid off in the end and it couldn’t have gone better, everything came together in a really good way.

“There were a few moments – I got stung by jellyfish and got a cut in my run, but all things considered, the problems we could have gotten into, I’m absolutely delighted.

‘It was a race I couldn’t have dreamed of. My support team are absolutely amazing as always and a huge thank you to them and of course to the support from the public. I hope you enjoyed the trip as much as I did and that we are an IRONMAN!

‘A course record of two hours? That’s enough!!’

Racing driver Billy Monger, who had both legs amputated after a horror crash, sets an incredible sporting record – surpassing the old milestone by more than TWO HOURS

Billy Monger is pictured in the seconds after smashing the Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championships in Hawaii

Monger (pictured center) revealed that he suffered several setbacks during the race, including being stung by jellyfish

Monger (pictured center) revealed that he suffered several setbacks during the race, including being stung by jellyfish

Monger started racing at the age of six, but in April 2017 he suffered life-changing injuries during a British F4 race that resulted in the amputation of both his legs.

However, he was back behind the wheel within a year and has now been training in triathlon for several years.

His inspiring recovery saw him crowned the 2018 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award for outstanding performance despite adversity.

Now a TV presenter, Monger focuses his efforts on raising money for charity.

The 25-year-old driver had his left leg above the knee and his right knee below the knee amputated after his shocking crash in April 2017

The 25-year-old driver had his left leg above the knee and his right knee below the knee amputated after his shocking crash in April 2017

Monger said the Ironman event in Hawaii felt like the longest day of his life

Monger said the Ironman event in Hawaii felt like the longest day of his life

“I couldn’t be more proud of Billy and what he has accomplished for himself and for 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 took on this challenge, I knew he would be fully committed to it, driven by those he can help with Comic Relief.”

In 2021, Billy attempted another huge challenge: raising money for charity by walking, kayaking and cycling around England.