Billy Monger, a 25-year-old former racing driver, set a new Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He completed the demanding 226.3 km (140.6 miles) course in 14 hours, 23 minutes, and 56 seconds, surpassing the previous record by over two hours.
Reflecting on the achievement, Monger described the day as “the longest” of his life. He shared his gratitude, stating he felt “so much love out on the course,” and expressed his excitement about completing the race, which he said was beyond anything he could have imagined. He also shared his hope that supporters enjoyed following his journey as much as he had experienced it.
During the swim portion, Monger endured a jellyfish sting but credited his support team for helping him push through the grueling challenge. He finished the 3.8 km swim in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 29 seconds, followed by the 180 km cycle in 7 hours, 26 minutes, and 50 seconds, and finally completed the marathon run in 5 hours, 26 minutes, and 26 seconds.
Meanwhile, Patrick Lange of Germany claimed victory in the overall race, setting a new course record with a time of 7 hours, 35 minutes, and 53 seconds, besting Gustav Iden’s 2022 record and earning his third world title.
Monger lost both legs in a severe accident at Donington Park in 2017, with one leg amputated above the knee and the other below. Since then, he has transitioned into a broadcasting career and appeared on the BBC series Celebrity Race Across the World. In 2021, he took on “Billy’s Big Challenge,” traveling across Britain by walking, cycling, and kayaking, raising over £3 million for Comic Relief. He began his Ironman training facing difficulties with pain during short runs, but his bike and prosthetics were adapted to aid his performance in cycling and running.