Billy Monger, the racing driver who lost both legs at 17 after a crash at Donington Park, has set his sights on winning paratriathlon gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Since his accident, he has completed Celebrity Race Across the World, the Ironman World Championship, and a Strictly Christmas Special, as well as working as a pundit.
Life on the Move and Prosthetics
Monger admits organisation is not his strongest point, especially as he travels constantly for work. He has to pack several sets of legs each time, which he calls a logistical nightmare. He has different legs for cycling, running, day-to-day walking, and shorter gym legs — four or five sets at times. When travelling to new countries, he takes different equipment to ensure he can still train and run.
Some prosthetics are extremely expensive, particularly walking legs with a microprocessor knee, which is the most costly part. Blades are not cheap either, and it all adds up.
Keeping Spirits Up After the Accident
Reflecting on the aftermath of his accident, Monger says keeping a sense of humour stopped everything being doom and gloom. He turned 18 in hospital and was making 'legless' jokes about buying rounds for mates. He was lucky that people made him see his life was not over, and positivity and a laugh go a long way.
He resonates with the idea that being labelled an inspiration can make you feel you are not allowed a bad mood. In his new book for children, he discusses how even people who seem to have it all together have days when they want to quit, and it is about finding a way to still win.
New Book and Key Message
Monger's new book, Find Your Drive, was inspired by messages from teachers and students after his first documentary Driven came out in 2018. He did not make it with that in mind, but it made him think he could do more. Aimed at 8-to-11-year-olds, he chose that age bracket because they are still learning and changing, and older children cannot always connect as well due to technology and social media.
The key message is that whatever life throws at them, they can still push forward. It is about resilience, staying positive, and making the best of yourself in sport, school, or everyday stuff. The book includes moments where he had to adapt quickly, laugh at himself, and crack on, talking about messing up, learning fast, and finding ways to keep moving.
Travel Challenges and Future Goals
Monger found Celebrity Race Across the World gruelling, as he is used to controlled environments where he can take his legs off at night. On the race, temperatures changed, there was no consistent bed, and he often had to keep his prosthetics on longer than he would like. He and his sister Bonny had always talked about travelling together, and after watching one episode together, she said, 'This looks cool. Let's do it.'
Bonny gave him no special treatment, which he appreciates, saying he does not need wrapping in cotton wool. He wants to be treated like anyone else. After the Ironman World Championship, he did Strictly, which he saw as a way to amplify charity work. He never wants to shy away from things that set a strong example.
His dancing shoes have been hung up for a bit, but he says never say never. Find Your Drive by Billy Monger (Rocket Fox, £9.99) is out now.
