Billy Monger, renowned sports star and broadcaster, has officially set a Guinness World Record for completing the IRONMAN World Championship triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, with a time of 14:23:56. This marks the fastest time ever achieved by a double leg amputee (male) (LA1, LA2), surpassing the previous record in Kona by an impressive 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 3 seconds.
In addition to the record, Billy Monger has been awarded ‘ICON status’ by Guinness World Records (GWR). GWR ICONs are exceptional individuals who represent the pinnacle of their talents, have transcended their fields, and truly embody the spirit of Guinness World Records. Previous ICONs include global superstars like Taylor Swift and Polar explorer Preet Chandi, as well as the tallest and shortest women in the world, Rumeysa Gelgi and Jyoti Amge.
The award was presented to Monger live on BBC Breakfast by GWR Adjudicator, Will Munford. Munford expressed his delight, stating, “I am delighted to present Billy with his two certificates. We are awarding him ICON status in recognition of Billy’s skill, steely resolve, and adaptability, both in the driver’s seat and racing under his own power. His achievement not only marks record success but also highlights that disability can be the start of a new chapter.”
The announcement comes ahead of the special documentary, Billy Monger: The Race is on for Comic Relief, which aired on BBC One and iPlayer for UK viewers. The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes, showcasing Billy’s intense preparation for the IRONMAN World Championship, his journey to breaking the Guinness World Record, and his efforts to raise significant funds for the UK charity, Comic Relief.
Billy Monger reflected on the challenge, saying, “The IRONMAN world record attempt was by far my hardest challenge yet, and the 12 months of training that preceded it were incredibly gruelling at times. To break the record title and be recognised as a Guinness World Records ICON makes it totally worth it – it’s an honour. I really believe in the importance of setting challenges for yourself in life, and I encourage everyone to set themselves a goal, however big or small, and to take on a world record challenge. You won’t regret it.”
Monger’s achievement is even more remarkable considering that only two other double leg amputees have ever completed the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. In 2007, Scott Rigsby became the first double amputee below the knee to finish the prestigious triathlon, with a time of 16:42:46. In 2019, Roderick Sewell became the first bi-lateral above-knee amputee to complete the race, finishing in 16:26:59.
Billy Monger’s story of resilience began in 2017 when, just before his 18th birthday, he was involved in a life-changing car crash that led to the amputation of both his legs. Remarkably, within a year, he was back behind the wheel. Since then, Billy has made a huge impact, raising £3 million for Comic Relief through an incredible challenge where he walked, cycled, and kayaked across England in just four days.
In 2024, Billy set his sights on the IRONMAN World Championship, aiming to break the record for a double amputee and raise funds for Comic Relief. His efforts were dedicated to supporting vital projects that provide practical assistance to those facing tough challenges both in the UK and worldwide.
To prepare for the grueling race, Billy underwent 12 months of rigorous training. This included learning how to swim in open water, mastering magnetic bike pedals for independent cycling, and adjusting to new running blades for longer distances than he had ever attempted before. Billy also received valuable support from prosthetists, nutrition experts, and discipline-specific coaches, along with the continuous encouragement of his family.
As part of his training regimen, Billy participated in two IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons. The first took place at IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth, located along the scenic Jurassic Coast of England, where he completed the race in 6 hours and 41 minutes. The second event, IRONMAN 70.3 Westfriesland in the Netherlands, saw Billy clock in at 6 hours and 26 minutes, further solidifying his preparation for the world-renowned championship.
Billy Monger’s remarkable journey not only showcases his athleticism but also his determination and resilience in the face of adversity. His achievement serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with unwavering dedication and a determined spirit, anything is possible.
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