Billy Monger Eyes 2028 Paralympics After Ironman Record

A former racing driver who lost both legs in a near-fatal crash is now chasing Olympic glory in one of the world's toughest endurance sports.

Billy Monger, 26, from Charlwood in Surrey, is training for the triathlon at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The event combines swimming, cycling, and running into a single grueling race that tests the limits of human endurance.

"I am in the early stages where it's about getting fitter and stronger," Monger told BBC Radio Surrey. His team faces a unique engineering challenge: designing one set of prosthetic legs that works for all three activities.

The innovation required is significant. Monger currently uses running blades for sprinting, specialized legs for cycling, and no prosthetics at all in the water. Creating a single solution that performs across all three sports has never been done before.

Monger's Paralympic dream follows an already impressive athletic resume. In 2024, he broke the Ironman record for double amputees at the World Championship in Hawaii, proving his endurance credentials on the global stage.

His journey from tragedy to triumph began in 2017 when a crash at Donington Park ended his racing career before it fully started. Monger had dreamed of reaching Formula 1, and the accident forced him to reimagine his entire future.

But rather than stepping back, he stepped up. In 2021, Monger raised over £3 million for Comic Relief by walking, cycling, and kayaking across England over four days. The feat captured hearts across the nation and showed his determination to turn personal loss into public good.

Why This Inspires

Monger's story resonates because it shows how setbacks can become launching pads. He didn't just recover from his accident; he found new ways to compete at the highest levels and inspire millions along the way.

His upcoming role as broadcast commentator for the Winter Paralympic Games in Milan adds another dimension to his impact. "It's a huge opportunity," he said. "I am really excited to watch some great winter sports."

Between now and 2028, Monger will balance training, broadcasting, and pioneering new adaptive sports technology. His engineering challenge alone could open doors for future Paralympic athletes who need versatile prosthetics.

The Paralympics are three years away, giving Monger time to build the fitness and finalize the equipment he needs to compete. For someone who has already conquered an Ironman and raised millions for charity, the odds look promising.