Billy Monger sets sights on paratriathlon gold medal for ParalympicsGB at LA 2028

Billy Monger has announced he is going to target a gold medal in the paratriathlon at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old set an incredible new IRONMAN World Championship record in Kona last October by becoming the fastest double leg amputee to complete the Hawaii course in a time of 14:23:36, taking more than two hours off the previous best.

And the story of his inspirational performance aired on the BBC this week in what proved an acclaimed documentary for Comic Relief – the annual charity spectacular for which Billy is a major fundraiser.

That led to plenty of questions as to what was next – and Monger answered those on Sunday.

‘Now that’s a big statement’

Speaking on a video he posted on Instagram, he revealed: “So, since the IRONMAN World Championships, since breaking that world record for Comic Relief, obviously, I’ve been getting a lot of questions, and the number one question that I get is, what’s next?

“And it’s a big question. And it’s taken me quite a lot of time to sort of come to terms and figure out what I want to do next. And having had a chance to think about it and go through that process mentally, I’ve decided that my goal, my ambition, where I want to put all my focus and attention, is to go to the LA 2028 Paralympic Games and try and win a gold medal in the paratriathlon.

“Now, that’s a big statement. It’s going to take a lot of dedication, sacrifice. I’m super excited to get my teeth into challenge and it is going to be the biggest of all my challenges that I’ve ever done.

“I’ve got a great team around me. I’ve had a lot of support from you guys over all the challenges that I’ve done recently, and I hope you guys will support me on this rollercoaster of a journey it’s no doubt going to be. So I guess that makes today day one on the road to LA 2028.”

‘I’m willing to test my limits’

ParalympicsGB won five medals in triathlon at the Paris Paralympics, including two golds.

And Monger added: “Super excited to get going, to get stuck into training and to see what I’m capable of.

“I’ve got no clue if this is even possible, which does make me feel scared honestly.

“But…I’m willing to test my limits. I’m willing to welcome failure along the way with open arms. In order to get closer to achieving what I believe I’m capable of deep down.”