A racing driver who lost both his legs following a crash in 2017 has been filmed cycling, kayaking and working out in the gym as he trains for a triathlon-based challenge for charity.
Billy Monger, 21, will be taking part in a 140-mile triathlon-inspired challenge to raise money for Red Nose Day.
The challenge includes periods of running, cycling and kayaking across freezing cold waters.
Now, video footage has shown just how gruelling Monger’s training regime is as he prepares to take on the challenge.
Racing driver Billy Monger, 21, (pictured) who lost both his legs following a crash in 2017 has been filmed cycling, kayaking and working out in the gym as he trains for a triathlon-based challenge for charity
Monger will be taking part in a 140-mile triathlon-inspired challenge to raise money for Red Nose Day
The training montage shows Monger working hard in the gym, pushing hard on a rowing machine, with a long pole in his arms to simulate the sensation of kayaking – which forms one section if his upcoming challenge.
Strength and endurance will play a big factor, and Monger is seen lying on his back performing bench presses as well as honing his upper body by using a cable machine.
With two metal poles stood either side of him, Monger also works on his control as he completes a series of dips.
The video is shows the double amputee working on his cycling – another section of the challenge.
Wearing a bright orange top, Monger works his way around a track, with his coach keeping pace off to the side in support.
Footage has shown just how gruelling Monger’s training regime is as he prepares to take on the challenge. Pictured: Monger completes chest presses under the supervision of his trainer
With steely determination, the double amputee completes a series of chest presses as he trains for his upcoming challenge
To work on his upper body strength, Monger also worked out on a cable machine in the video
Keen to practise every element of the upcoming triathlon, Monger was also seen testing the waters in a proper kayak.
Wearing a blue top, the 21-year-old glides along a river as his arms work overtime to keep his paddle moving in a smooth, controlled motion.
Speaking in the video about his decision to take part in the challenge, Monger said: ‘This challenge came to me at the perfect time. After the first lockdown, and I knew I wasn’t racing because of Covid, it really affected my mentality.
‘My walking was something that took a big hit because I wasn’t out and about walking I was at home in my wheelchair, not really using my legs. I put on a lot of weight – I hadn’t been training at all.
‘I looked at myself in the mirror and had that self-reflecting moment where I thought: “This isn’t right, this isn’t who I am. I’m better than this.”‘
With two metal poles stood either side of him, Monger also works on his control as he completes a series of dips
The training montage shows Monger working hard in the gym, pushing hard on a rowing machine, with a long pole in his arms to simulate the sensation of kayaking
Monger will cover 140 miles in four days, finishing at the world-famous race circuit Brands Hatch in Kent.
Monger told the PA news agency: ‘What attracted me to do this was the fact I want to keep pushing myself and what I can achieve. After my accident it was a long road back, I was lucky that I was surrounded by close family, friends and received such amazing support from people.
‘Throughout the challenge, I know I’ll need people to get behind me again to get me through and I’ll keep in mind that with every step, every mile it will help support those who need it most.’
He said he was a ‘little nervous’ but ‘completely determined’ to complete the challenge.
Monger began racing aged just six, but in April 2017 at a British F4 race he was left with life-changing injuries that resulted in the amputation of both his legs.
Keen to practise every element of the upcoming triathlon, Monger was also seen testing the waters in a proper kayak. Wearing a blue top, the 21-year-old glides along a river as his arms work overtime to keep his paddle moving in a smooth, controlled motion
Monger will cover 140 miles in four days, finishing at the world-famous race circuit Brands Hatch in Kent
However, he was back at the wheel within a year and was awarded the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in 2018.
Monger has been training for months now, but said he had ‘no experience’ ahead of the challenge – he has not cycled since his accident three years ago, and has never kayaked before.
‘I’m going to have to get the hang of the gear pretty quickly, especially to cover the distances that we’re doing. So, it’s nerve-wracking but it’s exciting,’ he said.
People at home will be able to see all the highs and lows of Billy’s challenge in an hour-long special documentary, filmed by a reduced crew, on BBC One.
The money raised will tackle issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse and mental health problems, all of which have been exacerbated by the ongoing health crisis.
Ahead of his challenge, Monger visited Fight 4 Change, a boxing project in London which is supported by Comic Relief.
The project works with young people, offering them boxing, mentoring, mental health support and peer-buddying systems to help overcome isolation and help navigate the many challenges they face.
He said: ‘I loved seeing how donations to Red Nose Day have been helping Fight 4 Change. I’m so grateful to the team there for showing me the amazing work they do and telling me how sport has such a positive impact on young people’s lives and helped them get through incredibly tough times.’