Formula One commentator and former racing driver Billy Monger has embarked on a significant challenge to support Comic Relief this year. After a rigorous 12-month training regime, he participated in the Ironman World Championships. Viewers can witness his journey in the special program “Billy Monger: The Race Is On For Comic Relief,” where he braved a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run in the sweltering Hawaiian climate.
Having previously helped raise £3 million for Comic Relief, Billy shared his preparation experience with the Mirror, stating, “When I first started training, I had minimal experience in swimming, biking, or running. The focus was primarily on preventing injuries, given the tight preparation timeline.” A custom prosthetic was crafted for the marathon leg of the challenge, prompting him to intensify his training from eight to 20 hours weekly as the event approached.
Navigating this new athletic realm, Billy remarked, “It was a complete shift for me. I had to adopt a full-time athlete mindset while juggling work commitments in presenting and Formula One activities.” A gifted go-kart racer from a young age, Billy’s career trajectory was altered by a life-altering crash in 2017 that resulted in the loss of both his legs at 17 years old.
Regarded as a promising British talent, Billy excelled in karting and later in the F4 British Championship, achieving notable success at a young age. Tragically, his career was abruptly halted by a devastating crash during a Formula 4 race in April 2017, where he collided with a stationary vehicle at 120mph, leading to a prolonged rescue operation and subsequent hospitalization.
Despite numerous surgeries, Billy’s lower legs could not be saved. His remarkable journey post-accident was captured in the documentary “Driven: The Billy Monger Story,” aired by the BBC in November 2018. Subsequently, Billy made a triumphant return to driving and ventured into television, including participation in popular TV shows.
His latest endeavor saw him featured in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2024, partnered with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova. Reflecting on his motivation for joining the show, Billy conveyed his gratitude towards the surgeon who played a pivotal role in his recovery, emphasizing the personal significance of the experience.
Witness Billy Monger’s inspiring journey in “Billy Monger: The Race Is On For Comic Relief,” airing on Wednesday, 19th March, on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm.
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