Superhuman Billy driven by adversity
IT HAS been four years since racing driver and presenter Billy Monger suffered life-changing injuries in an horrific accident during a Formula 4 race at Donington Park. The then 17-year-old had both legs amputated after the 120mph shunt into a stationary car in 2017. However, in a remarkable demonstration of both courage and determination, less than a year later Monger was taking to the podium once again after finishing third in a British F1 Championship race at Oulton Park.
In new documentary Changing Gear [Channel 4] Billy reveals since his accident many people, impressed by his gutsy return to the track, have asked him if he now intends to become a Paralympian. And clearly not one to dodge a challenge, he sets about learning just what it takes to become one of these most inspirational of athletes.
To aid him in his quest, Monger (below) calls on the help of four British competitors who have risen to the top in their particular field. Former soldier Dave Henson, a 200metres bronze medallist in Rio in 2016, Charlotte Henshaw who, after lifting swimming silver and bronze in
London 2012 and Rio respectively, will now aim for canoe success in Tokyo, Alice Tai who took both gold and bronze in the pool in Rio and one of our most recognisable and popular athletes, Jonnie Peacock, who will be chasing a third successive Paralympic gold 100m success in Tokyo in the coming days.
A self-confessed speed freak, Billy is, as many who have seen him in his presenting role with C4’s F1 coverage can testify, an affable and comfortable presence in front of the camera.
And while he shows much promise in a canoe with Henshaw and a thinly disguised loathing for open-water swimming, which he endures with Tai, it is clear he is happiest and most at home when strapping on a new set of blades to join Henson and later Peacock on the track.
His journey ends where his biggest challenge began as he returns to Donington to show off his new sprinting skills alongside Peacock and it is not long before that competitive edge is back on show.
His enthusiasm and determination to improve his times in front of the genuinely impressed Paralympian leave viewers in no doubt that even after the cameras stop rolling, Monger has little intention of handing his blades back any time soon. As for Paris 2024? ‘At times I think I’d love to go for it,’ he says. Don’t rule him out.