Race driver Billy Monger who had both legs amputated after horror ...

Former racing driver Billy Monger lost both his legs following a crash in 2017 and now he has stunned the sporting world by smashing the Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championship in Hawaii.

Monger, 25, bested the previous Ironman record by two hours, three minutes and three seconds in an astonishing time of 14 hours 23 minutes 56 seconds.

He yelled triumphantly as he crossed the finish line after completing the gruelling 226.3km (65-mile) course. 

'What a day! That was the longest day of my life – I just felt so much love out on the course; that was a really special day,' he said after finishing.

'All that hard work finally paid off and it couldn't have gone better, everything came together in a really good way.

'There were a few moments – getting stung by jellyfish and getting a cut on my run socket but all things considered, issues we could have had, I am absolutely chuffed.

'It was a race I couldn't have dreamed of. My support team as always are absolutely amazing and so big thanks to them and of course the public's support, I hope you guys have loved the journey as much as I have and we are an IRONMAN! 

'A course record by two hours? That'll do!!'

Billy Monger is pictured in the seconds after he smashed the Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championship in Hawaii 

Monger (pictured centre) revealed he had to contend with several setbacks in the race, like being stung by jellyfish

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.

However, he was back at the wheel within a year and has now been training for several years in triathlon.

His inspirational recovery saw him crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award in 2018 for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.

Now a TV presenter, Monger is concentrating his efforts on raising funds for charity.

The 25-year-old driver had his left leg amputated above the knee and his right knee amputated below the knee after his shocking crash in April 2017

Monger said the Ironman event in Hawaii felt like the longest day of his life

'I couldn't be more proud of Billy and what he's achieved for himself and for others,' Monger's mother Amanda Knight said.

'Right now I feel an overwhelming sense of relief that he's crossed the finish line. When he committed to this challenge, I knew he would apply himself, driven by those he can help with Comic Relief.'

In 2021, Billy attempted another immense challenge, raising money for charity by walking, kayaking, and cycling across England.