From F1 Dream to IRONMAN world-record holder – Billy Monger

00:00:00: If I'm completely honest, because after my accident how people reframed me and the person that was.

00:00:07: I found quite tough to deal with.

00:00:09: naturally i'm surprising myself day in they out just cause.

00:00:13: im trying learn something new.

00:00:15: I feel like whenever you're out of your comfort zone and you try learning something new You always gonna surprise yourself And it can be a good way or bad way.

00:00:23: for me.

00:00:23: what I've loved about triathlon is just how honest It keeps you Because in motorsport, there's lots of other factors that are outside your control as an athlete and... That can be tough at times.

00:00:37: In triathlon if you put in the hours when no one is watching For me I would rather be ambitious And go for gold Then i'm quite happy to fail!

00:00:51: We're all deep down a

00:00:52: little bit mental.

00:01:05: Hello and welcome to Fridino Going.

00:01:09: Mental where we tell stories of people who have hit rock bottom, made their way back up.

00:01:17: And today our guest my dear friend Billy Monger is somebody you who personifies exactly that.

00:01:24: having grown-up around go-karts driving the circuits of world aspiring to be a Formula One driver had horrific crash at age seventeen lost both his legs and has managed to pivot, redefine himself as an Iron Man world champion.

00:01:41: The fastest man ever in Kona the Ironman World Champion.

00:01:46: at fourteen hours and twenty three for a double amputee I mean an iron mans hard enough to do on both legs i can guarantee you.

00:01:54: but this guy has done it by him self.

00:01:57: And This is where we met As well.

00:02:00: first time.

00:02:00: We locked eyes had brief chat Where he was around with his family And I've had the pleasure of meeting him several times over the years.

00:02:07: We recently connected in London at his house and had a chat about who he is, you know?

00:02:14: It really is fascinating where his mindset comes from when he derives strength... ...and we're going to dive right into it over next hour.

00:02:22: So tune-in!

00:02:23: Join me for this conversation with Billy Munger Fradino.

00:02:27: Going Mental.

00:02:28: This case IS MUNGER GOING MENTAL Billy, how are you and where do we find?

00:02:34: You.

00:02:34: Find me in the washroom at my house because this is a part-time office so not the most glamorous of locations.

00:02:42: but This Is Where I Do Bits Like This

00:02:45: Fantastic Fantastic.

00:02:46: Is That A Fire Extinguisher In The Background?

00:02:48: I'm Blind As A Bat But It Looks like it's Kind Of Like A Signal In Colour.

00:02:52: No Its Not A Fire Instinguisher.

00:02:54: We Haven't Got To Worry.

00:02:56: Oh Billy Mongol Always Close to Danger.

00:03:00: So let's get straight into it.

00:03:01: I mean, from racing driver to presenter to Paralympian... You're a human pivot!

00:03:09: It is genuinely amazing.

00:03:12: When you hear going mental what does that mean?

00:03:16: What comes your mind?

00:03:18: We are all deep down and little bit mentally especially if we have ambitions some crazy stuff, like.

00:03:27: naturally you have to be wired a little bit differently.

00:03:30: To have those lofty ambitions.

00:03:32: and I think yeah having met you i'd say that you've got these lofty ambition in backlight as well!

00:03:39: Yeah there's definitely something about ambitions.

00:03:41: it's something about drive being able to dream up things probably out of the ordinary right?

00:03:50: When was the last time you really surprised yourself?

00:03:53: Last time, I really surprised myself.

00:03:56: Uh...I think you mentioned about pivoting and going into the world of Paralympics?

00:04:03: I feel like naturally i'm surprising myself day in-day out just because i'm trying to learn something completely new!

00:04:10: I feel that whenever you're out your comfort zone and are learning something new You always gonna surprise yourself And it can be a good way or bad.

00:04:18: You're always going to come across those moments where you do something that you didn't think you could or he realized there's a stumbling block.

00:04:24: That you have to get around?

00:04:27: Yeah, that is quite something and it really resonates a lot right like moving just outside of your circle of comfort zone and really moving into resilience which we'll get in later on.

00:04:41: but I would like first getting an understanding.

00:04:46: you've had a lifelong in sports, right?

00:04:48: You got your first cart when you were two.

00:04:51: You are only allowed to drive it when you was

00:04:53: six.".

00:04:54: There's no way that thinks of the garage for four years not touching anyway!

00:04:59: My

00:04:59: dad did not leave The Thing Alone For Four Years tweaking and doing all his bits making up Graphics to make it, you know put my name on it and stuff like that.

00:05:08: But I wasn't allowed to drive.

00:05:09: It so i just had To kind of look at it And wonder what it would be like for four years.

00:05:13: That's fantastic.

00:05:14: What were you chasing before?

00:05:16: You knew what success was because as a six-year old right i'm assuming Success Was.

00:05:21: Of course you want to win but it's not really tangible Right?

00:05:24: you're figuring stuff out yeah.

00:05:26: is that

00:05:26: what are you chasing Before?

00:05:27: they

00:05:27: think from me it was Just Um, the whole reason I like started racing and go casting was one because that's what my dad knew.

00:05:34: That was his world as something he did for fun with his friends.

00:05:38: He wasn't competitive to a level where he was competing at the highest levels.

00:05:42: so racing in a weird way Was never actually Something Where it was all about ambition And success.

00:05:49: It was about having fun And that's exactly how it then transpired and started for me.

00:05:54: It was like, this is a way for my dad to go out do something different than he has got a lot of passion before.

00:06:00: I just have some son-and-father time so it was fun time to spend together.

00:06:07: where we felt connected over something ended up becoming the ambition and success side came in at later point.

00:06:17: Yeah i feel like Ambition.

00:06:18: Success You know, the metrics that go into it.

00:06:23: The planning all that kind of stuff.

00:06:26: do you still find time for fun?

00:06:28: Do you think fund is actually part of a recipe even though It's so difficult to plan and its So difficult...it's kinda right..the one thing That well either there or not But I Find Its Difficult To Plan Is that Part Of Your Recipe Of Success Still?

00:06:48: The stuff that I've sort of pivoted into doing now, like triathlon and learning something... Like in learning a whole new sport for me.

00:06:56: I wouldn't do it if i didn't think it was fun?

00:06:59: Don't get me wrong there are moments where It's really very tough And you don't want to get up and train Your body is broken down.

00:07:05: There's plenty Of That.

00:07:07: But If I Was Just Doing It To Be Successful When I wasn't Being able Find Any Joy Whilst Doing It I Wouldn't Have Lasted you know, in the sport and I wouldn't want to move on to next thing within this board.

00:07:19: I think i would have lost my focus on it when they've gone somewhere else then...I guess im now a person like he said who has pivoted couple of times with sort what's known for doing so.

00:07:31: Im not afraid drop something if doesn't become enjoyable or give me certain level of fulfillment which luckily right now is giving just that

00:07:41: yeah tab too fun right?

00:07:44: good friend, who?

00:07:47: he's a multiple Olympic champion and biathlon.

00:07:49: And he always used to say if you're having fun is hard to avoid success which has become like this kind of mantra frame right because especially triathlons on what you've now become apart off well not dissimilar race driving it all about metrics data and collecting wearables in all these kinds things.

00:08:11: did the triathlon so Did the switch to triathlon for you, did it feel more like a rebirth or was it something that was more necessity?

00:08:25: You know given your circumstances people have heard your story.

00:08:29: So just a very brief overview of those who haven't heard your legs that were amputated and later found purpose in charitable events, pivoted to triathlon extreme events.

00:08:55: But that pivot into triathlon was that for you a rebirth or necessity given the circumstances?

00:09:01: I think it sort of start-of my pivots awards.

00:09:07: triathlon came from those charitable challenges that you've mentioned.

00:09:12: And, for me probably felt like quite an essential thing to do because how I was looked after or after my accident had a huge real sense community with people coming around supporting the motorsport community and wider than Just For Giving page was set up for me to help basically fund being able to buy Prosthetics and support my recovery when Me And My Family didn't really know what that would look like.

00:09:40: So I'd always felt supported in That Really, Really Tough Moment...that life-changing moment.

00:09:45: so the charity side of things and giving back and sort Of Like passing that baton on where it Was like almost a weight off my shoulders by Being Able To know how much the support meant to me, but then give that type of people.

00:09:58: That for me was something I always since Max and wanted do something so feel like...I sort-of took that good will when did something positive with it.

00:10:07: i didn't just take at all from me.

00:10:10: So that side is definitely something I thought would be essential or something I've always wanted to do.

00:10:18: Enjoy triathlon and the different challenge that it posed.

00:10:23: And then to sort of fall in love with the sport, decide this is a route I want go down on more permanent basis... ...and really push my comfort zone as an athlete in that aspect.

00:10:34: That wasn't planned or essential.

00:10:38: It's just something where i've gravitated towards it and liked the fresh new challenge presented

00:10:47: as important, as perhaps proving something to yourself.

00:10:53: Do you ever see that?

00:10:55: As a privilege is well too be able To give so much.

00:10:59: I mean i know your i know You're giving a lot right A lot of Your energy but the output i mean you've raised millions for comic relief and i think you inspire generation Of young athletes an athlete or all around The world.

00:11:16: uh two degree That it's just far bigger than most people ever have the opportunity.

00:11:23: Is that ever a conscious privilege to you where you kind of take it in and realize, That's pretty cool?

00:11:31: Yeah!

00:11:32: And I didn't start on completely honest because after my accident how people reframed... me and the person that I was, i found quite tough to deal with.I had my accident when I was seventeen while I said eighteen whilst still in hospital And basically went from being a racing driver who'd raced for twelve years.

00:11:51: He won British Championships on sort of you know On That Journey To F-One and that Was The Goal In A Dream.

00:11:57: So all of a sudden I was reframed as like an inspiration which...in MY head.

00:12:03: well im just the same kid who wants to be a Formula One driver, and I actually haven't changed as person.

00:12:09: But just all of sudden people were putting that tag on you which is quite a lot pressure sort-of.

00:12:15: have that in your shoulders at such young age.

00:12:17: like why am i thinking?

00:12:19: Why my inspiration?

00:12:20: I've just had it crash whilst doing this thing.

00:12:22: That's always done.

00:12:23: when all the sudden I'm Like yeah People are calling me there And really struggled with that In those probably their first initial six months I'm like do i have to act in a different way?

00:12:36: Like how, How would you be an inspiration for people?

00:12:40: and In my own head.I think was overthinking that quite a lot on the early months because they say it hadn't changed but peoples perception of me had.

00:12:49: But It took me.

00:12:50: yeah A few months this all come back.

00:12:54: people can think what they think and if they think I'm an inspiration.

00:12:58: that's up to them.

00:12:59: but i need to live my life how i want to live it.

00:13:03: And, If that creates this positive effect where people get inspiration from me then thats a bonus!

00:13:10: But you know pretending to be something im not or trying to do stuff that...I THINK PEOPLE WANT TO SEE FROM ME.

00:13:17: THAT'S NOT THE RIGHT WAY TO GO ABOUT IT.

00:13:19: Yeah, a hundred percent.

00:13:20: I think once you try it... Once you fake it there is no way right?

00:13:26: Do You Know Who Christina Vogel Is?

00:13:28: I've Heard Of The Name.

00:13:29: So She's A Track Cyclist Olympic Champion Extremely Successful Athlete And One Day In Training Had A Horrendous Accident Where That Left Her Paraplegic As Well Not as well.

00:13:42: so that left her paraplegic and she said i am still the same.

00:13:47: only the way that I moved has changed.

00:13:50: How do you feel about that?

00:13:51: Yeah, i could relate to it!

00:13:53: I mean...I went back to driving race cars with no legs and had to basically redesign how I drive a racing car.

00:14:00: but when I was in the racing car from the outside looking-in You couldn't see that..you just saw another racing driver out there And for me such a special feeling.

00:14:11: Basically if your turn up to a racetrack to watch some racing.

00:14:16: I was there competing against able-bodied athletes, the same people that i've competed against for years.

00:14:21: And...I was a competitor doing this sport that loved like and so really relate to that statement.

00:14:29: be honest it's the same in triathlon okay?

00:14:32: I move I got prosthetics I moved differently from how before but..i'm out there competing I'm putting in the same time and effort as others, And that for me is just what it's all about.

00:14:43: It's getting out there doing rather than talking bad.

00:14:46: I want to do things like this now.

00:14:48: Yeah,

00:14:49: arguably you're putting more efforts because you have to figure out so many variables.

00:14:55: Uh, yeah.

00:14:57: I mean we've talked about prosthetics and stuff.

00:14:59: but what i really want to know is We're talking a lot about your outside presence how you are on the racetrack?

00:15:06: How you received the inspiration.

00:15:09: And You know you go out and have these massive achievements.

00:15:14: But we all know especially in endurance events there's a lot of time between drinks.

00:15:20: There's a long time between events.

00:15:22: What does it That fuels you But nobody's watching.

00:15:27: Like what voice in your head is louder than all the applause?

00:15:32: I think for me, What i've loved about triathlon Is just how honest it keeps you Because in motorsport, there's a lot of other factors that are outside your control as an athlete.

00:15:46: That can be tough at times if I don't raise sponsorship or compete etc.

00:15:51: In triathlon when no one is watching then you're able to capitalize on it and show the hard work behind-the-scenes.

00:16:05: bettering myself every day i feel like everyday.

00:16:08: i get up by train.

00:16:09: i do tickle the boxes that i want to take in a day, if eight-year old me was watching what im doing now he would be very proud of him.

00:16:21: I become the person i am.

00:16:23: puts it hard work when no one's watching and loves what is going on.

00:16:27: process at all.

00:16:28: i think thats really important.

00:16:31: look back to like the younger version of me who would have maybe thought this sort of thing isn't possible and it's just nice to be, you're doing what you want do.

00:16:39: You are happy that you can enjoy in a process... The result is the results!

00:16:45: You cannot control other people but you can control your work in the meantime.

00:16:50: That such a winner attitude right Nick?

00:16:54: Thinking about your eight year old self if could put up post-it note on your mirror in the morning, you know where you brush your teeth.

00:17:01: Would you write one?

00:17:04: Would tell them to do anything different or would give some

00:17:06: advice?".

00:17:07: It's a

00:17:08: good question that I feel like.

00:17:11: when i was just starting out and racing When I was eight years old...I'd say The hardest thing That actually found when I was at school those sort of years Was Like the feeling Of me wanting To fit In.

00:17:24: And thats something.

00:17:28: Because racing is so different and none of my friends did it.

00:17:32: I would sort go away for the weekends, going on these crazy adventures across the country with my dad in winning events And then like i talked to my friend about that a few minutes... ...and they were all talking about birthday party that missed at weekend.

00:17:46: So when we went back to school not keeping my achievement from what was doing quiet but wouldn't make big thing because no one was at school that could relate to it in a way.

00:17:59: so i just had to find other things to relate my peers.

00:18:03: and probably what I would say is you know they don't think that's necessarily bad thing because.

00:18:08: You wanna get on with your friends, you want us speak.

00:18:12: people are fine common ground of people but probably I'd say like don't be shy about the kind stuff dont always feel like have to fit me over people actually being unique doing something different You know, you should be proud of and just accept.

00:18:29: Yeah totally.

00:18:30: I mean it really is one of those things especially when you choose a different path right?

00:18:33: that's not kind of the trodden path where you're at.

00:18:35: Do like now.

00:18:39: do you have time for social?

00:18:43: Kind of...you talk about your friends And whether.

00:18:49: i guess The question i'm trying to ask Is do you Have Time For social interactions for people?

00:18:57: because now your life is more.

00:19:00: Extraordinary than ever, right?

00:19:01: Like I mean we've talked about your positions.

00:19:03: you're actively involved in formula one and touch with these kind of guys traveling the world as an athlete trying to fit all this training.

00:19:15: where do you fit space for a private life or even seek it out?

00:19:19: yeah i definitely try find some space keep touch with people.

00:19:24: I definitely would say that since my accident, my circle has grown smaller so the people that i used to you know make a lot of effort to see.

00:19:35: now naturally as you get older and realise some people who have been making an effort in your life when going through something like my accident for example were really close to me.

00:19:48: they showed up they drifted away and I think i've just learned that there's nothing wrong with having a small circle.

00:19:57: but the people that are in your circle,the people you do let it in.

00:20:00: People who make an effort...I want to be this sort of person which makes efforts for those around me showing love when needed at most.

00:20:11: so its important.

00:20:13: as much time is possible sometimes weeks busy traveling away.

00:20:19: So, you know we all talk about balance in life.

00:20:22: some there's some weeks where that balances.

00:20:25: it doesn't suit a social calendar but then the week square does I try to make them most of that and made him most of the days that i can spend with people on.

00:20:34: really be when they are one those people be as present is possible rather than being there and thinking abut the next training session or week where I'm traveling to a different country, it's like just about trying compartmentalize that as much as possible.

00:20:51: But when i'm with people they get my full focus and attention... That is all you can do really!

00:20:57: Yeah..I couldn't agree more on one of those things right?

00:21:01: I guess your circle friends who know me expect an answer and immediately realise okay yeah he'll give back to us if we want him around.

00:21:11: You know, you're not the guy for a Wednesday night dinner club.

00:21:16: No exactly my stuff

00:21:18: but

00:21:18: when your out of it I mean people thrive on routine which is something i feel like we don't have in life.

00:21:25: But is there uh Is There Like A non-negotiable For You Something That You Feel Like You Want To Do Every Day Or You Need to do On More or Less Daily Basis Just To Keep Your Mind And Check?

00:21:42: it's down to, you know the way I've pivoted into triathlon like but your training on such a regular basis now that if i go A day where i'm traveling out To a different country or something Like That?

00:21:54: I Struggle with.

00:21:55: I haven't done some form of movement and It's Something that i'm working On as well.

00:21:59: because i think sometimes If You Haven't you Know Have You Been Travelling Out to Singapore for example Where i went recently?

00:22:05: is you know thirteen fourteen hour flight?

00:22:07: Sometimes like that doesn't?

00:22:10: That doesn't work well with wanting to move your body each day and get that own time for yourself.

00:22:15: It's about, for me not getting myself down if I've had to you know have a day without it.

00:22:22: as much is every day.

00:22:23: i want to tick that box then want to feel productive good within my self dive moved in life.

00:22:32: If things have to move, for example like I say if i'm traveling away.

00:22:37: Like it's just something i'm working on is trying to be okay with that and not to get worked up about having to shift things around being like okay with having to be adaptable basically.

00:22:47: Yeah, tell me please when you figure it out?

00:22:49: Please tell because I am terrible at... Honestly i can't get it.. It's weird!

00:22:53: It has become an addiction where we really realise if don't that little bit of oxygen in the beginning of day is just lose my space for reactions and just become terrible unproductive Like interviews I just start lavering on.

00:23:09: so if you when you figure it out please make sure we'll be watching.

00:23:15: On your YouTube channel or any other channel where he can please give us a masterclass.

00:23:21: by the way, give Billy a follow at Billy Munger.

00:23:23: is that Billy monger really mongo racing?

00:23:25: Your youtube channel

00:23:26: belong to new tube.

00:23:27: yeah

00:23:27: billy monga and youtuber's really fascinating.

00:23:29: get some insights into your world.

00:23:32: i wanna change gears little bit here And talk about pressure, flow and dealing with the kind of control because you to me epitomize that.

00:23:44: You've gone from single-seater racing... ...to grinding out marathon on prosthetics.

00:23:50: I mean they're two completely different kinds of suffering or demands In racing..you had milliseconds to react like it was the finest minds of era in iron man.

00:24:08: you're fourteen plus hours to think and control your thoughts which for u. For you would say is harder.

00:24:16: mentally

00:24:17: for sure when i move from racing to triathlon I struggled too deal with basically remember one my first ever sessions when ice basically decided I was going to train for Kona and i'm just gonna start that journey.

00:24:30: And it's just get on the bike in forty five minutes, spin for forty-five minutes...and if you go faster then my pedal doesn't change anything at all!

00:24:45: effort levels, et cetera.

00:24:46: And coming from racing that's just not how I was wired to basically want to do everything as fast as possible and i realized wow!I don't think im a very patient person...i'm lacking in the bit of patience..and going into triathlon or stowa training you need be comfortable to sit there....the time is not gonna speed up no matter think in your mind that you want it to speed up.

00:25:12: Forty five minutes is forty-five minutes, and that was definitely the biggest shift from me coming from the motorsport background—was just really focusing on patience and not looking at the clock every single minute thinking why has this not gone faster?

00:25:29: Those those minutes are still the same!

00:25:33: Have you developed any tricks?

00:25:34: have you develop anything like mentally?

00:25:37: You know?

00:25:40: now you're not writing forty five minutes.

00:25:41: Now, your writing hours and hours on end.

00:25:43: And I mean have you developed any tricks that?

00:25:47: Your willing to share?

00:25:48: um

00:25:49: i don't necessarily Developed tricks.

00:25:52: for example feel like he just with practice light with anything.

00:25:55: He's kind of Realize live learn That lesson of imnot gonna speed up the clock by looking at it.

00:26:02: so much.

00:26:02: So so now rather than thinking about how much longer i got left It's Just About focusing On Just again just trying to stay present in a session if it's, you're an interval focusing on your effort level.

00:26:16: If you are easy spinning and like a steadier interval is that?

00:26:20: Again sometimes my mind wanders little bit but general when I'm training i am trying to focus.

00:26:30: what am I actually doing right now?

00:26:34: where will this serve me?

00:26:35: well how Is this gonna improve me as an athlete?

00:26:38: And it's just sort of trying to link it back to that and realize the every session does count towards something.

00:26:44: So, like don't try and rush through it Just sit in it enjoy for what is know you'll be better from.

00:26:53: I always used to break things down into mathematical equations.

00:26:58: right if i've done.

00:26:59: I don't know if i've done two minutes out of a twenty minute interval.

00:27:03: I've done ten percent or break it down and you know, then you've done three quarters in seven eighths than that kind of thing.

00:27:09: all the

00:27:10: time is honestly like i'm working at.

00:27:12: percentages have how long i've been in this session.

00:27:15: for the timing i got an hour on the bike hour-on-the-bike for example fifty four minutes.

00:27:19: when he's done ninety percent to go ten percent left and it does help helps just breaks stuff down nothing.

00:27:26: Yeah, it's just a mental way of like focusing yourself to the next corner.

00:27:29: To the next tree...to this..to that right?

00:27:31: Later on in life I actually tried The commentary thing so that i used Like A TV commentator if you remember Phil Liggett but like Coming out and Commentating On.

00:27:44: You Know the attack and just creating this movie in my head, I found that to be quite helpful too.

00:27:51: So every session almost became a race?

00:27:53: And you were sort of mentally talking yourself through...

00:27:57: Yeah!

00:27:57: In the hard parts not-not every session but like in The Intervals You know your riding intervals maybe two or three times per week It's just..I find it helpful always scoop from different buckets of motivation.

00:28:10: And same way i guess I read somewhere that you struggled with the idea of running without headphones in Kona, because for one i think it never run one let alone without headphones.

00:28:25: and now you kind left out there your own thoughts.

00:28:30: Yeah take us into.

00:28:32: sometimes it being alone with your own thoughts can be a scary place.

00:28:35: And coming from the sort of training I did when i was racing, It was mainly gym based work and you'd normally be in a gym... ...and have that music pumping especially to places where I would train with some other drivers.. ..it's like group environment really getting into it.

00:28:56: And then when I realized, obviously you weren't allowed to use headphones for Iron Man events

00:29:01: etc.,

00:29:02: It's something that i tried to implement straight away...I was like well what's the point of me listening to music and I'm out running?

00:29:07: When I'm cycling?

00:29:08: Like having all these distractions all the time?

00:29:10: if on the race day I'm not gonna have that so..i stripped music and that sort-of side things out as soon as possible.

00:29:19: just a practice.

00:29:20: What I Was Gonna Do On Race Day because one thing didn't have going into Kona was years and years of experience.

00:29:29: I had a year to train for Kona, I'd done three half Ironmans along my way.

00:29:36: is that event.

00:29:37: they help qualify in get to Kona.

00:29:40: but it's just me making every training session almost count towards my overall experienced levels what felt like rather than not doing that then arriving on race day like shift from what I'm used to doing in training.

00:29:56: You go to Kona, you've never been there?

00:29:59: You've never done an Ironman!

00:30:00: You've done two halves right?

00:30:01: Yeah i did three halves but two seventy point free lmans.

00:30:05: Okay yeah some racing over half the distance and then you're like cool i'm gonna come here and i'm going to smash the world record.

00:30:13: now your next project LA-twenty eight Paralympics...you have said you're going out to get a metal not just any medal gold medal.

00:30:24: I mean, first of all i took my hat like...I love that right?

00:30:28: I absolutely love it because you go out with intent but even you've said-you have no clue if this is possible and you come out and make the statement and this commitment publicly.

00:30:43: take us into that thought.

00:30:45: why?

00:30:45: I

00:30:47: think for me I would rather be ambitious And then I'm quite happy to fail.

00:30:57: I'm quiet, uh-I am quite happy too put myself out there at the highest level possible and Then if it if i've given my all when it doesn't happen on a day?

00:31:06: I take my hat off To the competitors that were able to beat me On the day though like so some things in sport are out of your control and I can only do The best that I can but I'm confident That My best is.

00:31:19: he's going to be right up there.

00:31:21: If I wasn't confident in that, then I don't really know what i'm doing it for.

00:31:26: Am I just going to go on the journey?

00:31:29: That would be something.

00:31:30: and if was okay with me today but not wide like this...I want a best version of myself!

00:31:37: And I am hopeful that will mean my world

00:31:41: is better.

00:31:42: I appreciate your intensity when you approach things And yet I must think, like...I think of your mother at times.

00:31:51: Of course i'm a dad too but I think if you're mom and honestly mentally Your mum must be tough Like seeing your kid grow up around the racetrack driving in one hundred miles an hour and now throwing themselves At the most grueling endurance event arguably on the planet.

00:32:14: Are you ever afraid own intensity.

00:32:17: Did you ever think I need to dial this back a step?

00:32:20: Um, i-i think like i said when i was younger i was quite a shy kid When i first started racing and motorsport and competition And finding something that i Was really good at and sort of excelled At Really built my character and turned me into the person That i am today.

00:32:39: um Because i never really before i got Into racing and started winning british championships.

00:32:44: i never when I was playing football at a young age or other sports, i never really had that thing.

00:32:49: That felt like I could really excel it and then just allow me to grow my confidence...that's what mode sport became for me!

00:32:56: It really helped come out of my comfort zone and grows as person..and I think its nothing to show away from.... Life is a challenge.

00:33:08: I think sometimes we look at life as like this thing that we just sort of cruise through, i Think life for everyone has challenged okay?

00:33:14: Everyone's life looks different and it's different challenges.

00:33:17: but That's the way i approach everything i do Is that day to day there are challenges that We don't really talk about because we all have to go Through them And It's kind Of This Sort of unspoken Thing.

00:33:30: But For me obviously my being A double amp team My Challenges More Obvious.

00:33:34: i've Had To Learn adaptable and to overcome those challenges, figure out solutions.

00:33:41: Become a solution.

00:33:42: sort of driven person.

00:33:43: there's always in my head the solution for something or at least it is worth giving your all to explore that I think.

00:33:50: just having that mindset now when i do say i want to do something how would be best version on myself?

00:34:00: To see my mom and dad work very, very hard to give me the opportunities that I've had.

00:34:05: And i don't want to let them down...I don't wanna let eight-year old me down by going in twenty years time.

00:34:11: oh well maybe I could have done those extra hours of training?

00:34:15: Maybe that would have meant that I achieved this thing!

00:34:18: I'd rather be like you did everything you could..and people thought you were a bit mad while doing it.

00:34:23: but then look at the end result....look at this amazing thing that your able to go achieve and how awesome It felt to do that.

00:34:31: Yeah, I mean you are the living example of there are no problems only opportunities.

00:34:37: i mean You really take that.

00:34:41: But I do wonder when you approach such massive goals right?

00:34:47: They aren't at the same time very finite achievements if you make it or don't and you've gone about making them And I always found early on that just having this kind of goal really left me quite depleted afterwards.

00:35:07: Where I had something, I reached that dream.

00:35:10: at the same time sort crushed that dream and thats why i wonder if breaking a world record for you was peak or just a false summit?

00:35:23: Have you found any peace with satisfaction Or is that something you even seem like a dangerous concept?

00:35:30: Yeah,

00:35:31: I think i can relate to you slightly with how you sort of commented on your achievements.

00:35:37: And once you achieve those things You realize they are moments in time.

00:35:41: their achievements.

00:35:42: They're nice look back on but...I'm the person who likes To have something on the horizon to aim for.

00:35:50: I remember crossing The finish line at Kona being out there For few days afterwards coming home and then thinking Like wow, I did this thing that felt impossible.

00:36:00: That people thought i wouldn't be able to do and done it.

00:36:03: but like now what's next then?

00:36:05: It can Be quite tough To be wired like that in a lot of ways because like you say You feel like your achieve This thing that you really want to achieve.

00:36:13: But Then you have that moment Of oh Wow!

00:36:15: Like that feels great for A Moment but its not enough to sustain the rest of Your life.

00:36:22: so something I took a bit of break from triathlon post-cona for few months and it was about sort of really reflecting, figuring out okay you know i don't want to just sign up this next goal or achievement.

00:36:39: And then have the same feeling after years later.

00:36:42: so what do we need work on in other areas that can truly leave me satisfied?

00:36:53: I'm complete as a person whether i achieve that goal.

00:36:56: when i achieved that go hopefully there are still got more to life and stuff to look forward too.

00:37:02: and thats where leaning on my family,my friends really making sure the outside of sport.

00:37:09: The best friend i can possibly be in the best brother im the best son just being That to the people around me is just as important, it's being the best athlete.

00:37:20: And its hard and not easy to get right or balance.

00:37:23: so I'm still learning but that for now is my goal.

00:37:26: It isn't just

00:37:28: L.A.,

00:37:29: nothing else matters.

00:37:31: I want to be like saying Best friend, best brother, best son... I wanna support all of them Just as much they support me.

00:37:39: This goal is there And it feels like everything in those training sessions and on a day-to-day basis, but it isn't every thing.

00:37:48: I'm just coming to terms with that.

00:37:50: Yeah putting things into perspective right because i mean It really is that way Right?

00:37:57: You come third In your first race back after you accident.

00:38:00: Then when the Kona world record you have amazing success along the way.

00:38:06: Royal congratulations.

00:38:07: But what about Those in between days?

00:38:11: Can I ask you if you're willing to share what was the loneliest moment in your comeback journey?

00:38:17: In my comeback journey.

00:38:19: Loneliest Moment Good question, i think for me like racing is probably and motorsport it's probably slightly different To triathlon in a way that so after my accident sort of go through the rehab process, and that was again quite an independent process.

00:38:44: Quite similar to Draftlon like... The more work I put in with my rehab, the better i got, the more progress i make.

00:38:51: but actually me going back to racing meant though had to build a real team around me to make things happen.

00:38:59: so that was the mechanics-the engineers speaking to them about hand controls then letting do their bit and design those initial concepts, then me going back to test them.

00:39:11: I think having a team around you feeling part of something that is actually bigger than just for you was really nice introduction into normality in a way because i'd come from racing Then I had this accident and everything was thrown up into the air, but actually that sort of recovery process in a journey of designing new controls.

00:39:40: And realising at times okay you know as much for me selfishly can help other people.

00:39:51: And I'm seeing my team sort of thrive and do things they maybe didn't think they would ever doing designing a car for guy with no legs like those but small moments that.

00:40:00: They weren't just me.

00:40:01: there were other people when i was like some.

00:40:03: their memories that will stay with me forever.

00:40:06: yeah it's.

00:40:07: it is remarkable in please don't get the strong that want to compare any kind injuries that have had you know what he has setbacks spend time in a hospital bed or rehab, all these kinds of things.

00:40:20: Again I'm talking about minor niggles here by comparison but i do always find that it offers a sense of focus because this target is kind as many resources, you're basically throwing everything but the kitchen sink and a kitchen sink in the end at it just to try and solve this thing.

00:40:47: So on the contrary do remember our moment of pure joy?

00:40:50: Of like where you've actually thought Jesus I have done.

00:40:55: is there something that stands out?

00:40:57: I think being competitive... There's probably not too many moments when i'm completely satisfied because always one little things could be better.

00:41:08: Um, but I do think for me a big moment was that first race back after my accent where i got podium and it Was more not that fee.

00:41:18: Not necessarily feeling of feeling like i've achieved something.

00:41:21: That kind of is.

00:41:22: now i'm set for life And i'm like content.

00:41:25: But it was more...I don't Think people took Me very seriously as a competitor After My accident because You know it was more like I had a lot of good will and support around me.

00:41:36: And then eleven months after my accent, i turned up to British Air Free Race for the first race of this season... ...and people were kind of all about even like my competitors.

00:41:45: they're sort-of like oh it's amazing to see you back this that any other.

00:41:49: but.. ..I kinda always looking in their eyes thinking yeah you think im just here to make up numbers I'm

00:41:58: coming for you.

00:41:59: Yeah,

00:41:59: a lot of media attention and support And it was like everyone who's kind of looking at me Like oh let's support Bill It is great to see him back.

00:42:09: Thank-you very much For that support.

00:42:11: But when it comes on track stuff The same competitor.

00:42:16: If not i am more fueled To the fire than before Because know That it can be snatched away from You in seconds.

00:42:24: And now every single time I go on that track, i'm going to be ruthless because you're not guaranteed anything in life.

00:42:34: My success and my achievements after Maxston was something that definitely had more focus than being present knowing this could always have been the last opportunity for me.

00:42:50: so if your in my way or competitor then watch out!

00:42:55: Oh man, I absolutely love that.

00:42:57: But yeah...I do find that perspective is oftentimes lacking right?

00:43:01: Where athletes they just sort of go about it and its like.

00:43:04: well if not today then It'll be fine next time.

00:43:08: And That kind Of thing where.. I don't know If you can relate but success The outside success That people look upon and applaud for Oftentimes isn't really everything You'd hoped for.

00:43:24: it really is that thing and its a moment, and it's great.

00:43:26: And everybody celebrates man.

00:43:28: It was kind of like okay I did this impossible thing.

00:43:32: well now what?

00:43:33: And-and i find That it really Was perspective.

00:43:37: then also in Like my late years and My career really helped me help fuel Me.

00:43:42: so it's so refreshing To hear that.

00:43:46: but Then you know speaking Of This public success where you stand out here on the podium And the things that you really value highly in life, like how do you balance that gap between public celebration and your private life?

00:44:00: Like Billy at home on The Farm.

00:44:02: Yeah I think yeah Public success is what it is.

00:44:06: people when they want to celebrate.

00:44:11: well don't hear anything from those said people because there's something else filling up their attention And I think i've just learned to accept that and understand it, people have got their own lives to worry about.

00:44:30: If you do something amazing It will get peoples attention only for a short period of time before their own issues outweigh that or something they've got going on, and then you slip back in everyone's mind.

00:44:42: I don't want to be at the forefront if everybody is mine but it's nice when we do something to have an outside recognition!

00:44:49: But i want the recognition from people who are closest with me...I want them see my hard work put into it..and appreciate the sacrifices that I'm there for them as much, is they're there for me.

00:45:06: And i want to build my circle and bring them up with me... ...I want my mom or dad to share that success.

00:45:14: like one of the things.. ..that I am most excited about in Paralympics is wearing those GB colours.... ....and having my surname Munga on front of my trisuit.

00:45:27: That's going be such a privilege because my mum and dad have worked so hard to give me every opportunity I've got.

00:45:35: And for me, to be able just share a bit of this is not my name it's our name on the front of my jersey like that For Me Is Going To Be Special.

00:45:44: Yeah i can really imagine.

00:45:48: Would you say that perspective?

00:45:50: That view on things has helped you outgrow any fears You may have had previously.

00:45:59: Is there something that you would say through the journey?

00:46:02: That, yeah.

00:46:03: You've just outgrown a fear and what was it?

00:46:06: Yeah I think again like I said when I was younger about trying to fit in stuff like this.

00:46:11: so now having had success and moments where you feel like you're fitting because everyone's sort of celebrating your success with you but then realising they are not really there for at all Theyre their highlights It makes me realise it's not really that important.

00:46:29: Like I want people around me for life and i wanna be around the people, yeah?

00:46:35: That I wanna to be around for life And I wanna do things that...I really wanna Do..and I wanna see them succeed in me succeed!

00:46:43: Yeah The independence comes from it

00:46:45: right?!

00:46:45: I can so relate because at school that was always my topic & fuel.

00:46:50: So I can relate a hundred percent.

00:46:54: But still makes me wonder like.

00:46:57: I mean, you used to race behind a helmet.

00:46:59: Right?

00:47:00: And he sort of had that to shield your off.

00:47:01: and now you are literally... ...I would say the face of resilience in endurance sports!

00:47:09: It's like anybody complains about anything even in my circle.

00:47:14: i'm like yeah shut up look at this guy.

00:47:16: He is going out breaking world records.. ..and he is going for the Olympics.

00:47:24: Do you ever feel trapped being the face, like being that person.

00:47:29: You know?

00:47:30: Like that image you're the guy who does hard shit!

00:47:35: Again I think it's really nice to hear... That is how YOU think of me.

00:47:39: but THAT'S HOW YOU THINK OF ME.

00:47:42: and that doesn't mean that i have to look in my mirror and think yeah you are the face of resilience because.. It

00:47:51: would be slightly awkward!

00:47:55: I just think of myself as a kid with lofty ambitions, with dreams.

00:48:00: I want to make the people around me proud and if that means that i have to be resilient in the process then thats what ill do.

00:48:07: And again its about disconnecting from adding pressure onto my shoulders for other peoples expectations off me That pressures gone.

00:48:16: now The only pressure on my shoulder is Is the pressure that I put on myself because i really want to do these things and, And I wanna achieve this stuff but it's...I don't need.

00:48:29: To add the extra pressure of my shoulders or going okay yeah yans out there telling people im the face of resilience in sport like thats great But well thats not for me to be a part.

00:48:40: Yeah again speaks too kindof a really stoic approach right?

00:48:45: If theres is message then you could send to younger athletes who are out there, what would you want or like people take from your story?

00:49:18: That's who I was, that is what i did and if didn't do it.

00:49:21: Who was without?

00:49:22: But actually you realise when get out of there try something completely different.

00:49:28: but you can excel at multiple things.

00:49:30: think we all sometimes caught up in like.

00:49:34: oh this here are once told a few people showing for little period time as well.

00:49:40: he cant go back on now because said were racing driver.

00:49:45: by changing up what you do, are you admitting that you haven't made it as a racing driver?

00:49:51: And for me its like... That's not this sort of pivot is about.

00:49:56: It's about me stumbling across something new realising I really enjoy it and realising i can be successful with big ambitions in there and that knowledge.

00:50:09: if..I don't want to live with any regret if I could have made it, i don't want to be here in twenty years time going.

00:50:15: Oh well...I sort of tried that triathlon thing but wasn't too sure about it or people saw me as a racing driver so i didn't give it a go!

00:50:22: I wanted the people to be like no okay..i was a racing drivers and did that stuff , i gave it my all.

00:50:28: ..i really enjoyed it.

00:50:30: ...but then i stumbled across this....and it was that what-if.

00:50:33: ....that i just didn't leave at all if i explored it.

00:50:37: Yeah, I mean it's a wonderful thing how you think about twenty years down the line and your age yourself.

00:50:42: And its so clear... ...and you've said this several times that don't dwell on pasts.. ..and thats one of your superpowers possibly!

00:50:52: But How do you balance or separate remembering from dwelling?

00:50:59: You're asking all good questions here aren't

00:51:01: ya?!

00:51:02: I think is important for me to remember the joy that I got from, from racing and that feeling of winning my first go-kart race seeing what dad's reaction spending those years together in creating those memories.

00:51:20: Like i don't want to forget about that just because do something different.

00:51:23: now like that though those memories are wanna stay with me repackaging that and trying to find it in us for doing something slightly different.

00:51:36: but I just want to create more memories with the people closest to me.

00:51:41: And yeah, just to give my all this new thing that i'm trying...I think is really important to remember!

00:51:48: But memories are something we look back on maybe in tough moments or in moments where we need it..but shouldn't be a place.

00:52:01: The way I look at my incident, and talk about it now is not the way that was able to handle a few years back.

00:52:09: But thats just because i've grown so im planning on keeping growing trying new things And seeing where end up.

00:52:16: Yeah its fascinating how athletes we often think of ourselves as good as last session.

00:52:24: Yet there's much more.

00:52:26: Lets finish this out by going into present LA.

00:52:30: on the horizon, you've got your new goal.

00:52:33: You said that the T- one hundred London was your wake up call?

00:52:38: That you needed.

00:52:39: yeah What did you learn about yourself?

00:52:42: what it wanted?

00:52:42: where do they get to?

00:52:44: I think like I said after Kona I took that break while we were sort of figuring out how a How I get the other pieces in my life those other elements.

00:52:54: up to there.

00:52:55: The same level that i Was able To Get sort of Iron Man achievement, like the Iron Man Achievement was up here.

00:53:03: and then there were a gap to the rest of bits that go into my life where I had that fall off moment afterwards.

00:53:11: Like what's next?

00:53:12: And i didn't want to get caught in a whats next situation without sorting those bit out first so took time for me to figure out what wanted other areas outside sport.

00:53:25: but with taking You kind of you know, even achieve something amazing in a sport and you think okay well i'm just gonna.

00:53:32: Just move on to the next goal when I think T one hundred was really good for me because.

00:53:37: I didn't put pressure myself cuz but I did put pressure on my self not because I changed the mindset or anything like that but because I knew it wasn't where wanted to be at given moment time.

00:53:52: And then going through T-one hundred and seeing the results in knowing where my shortfalls were.

00:53:58: I wasn't down about it, but it was a wake up call to be like you know there's... You need the same level of intensity In the sport side of things.

00:54:09: Whilst bringing the other areas of my life up to the place that I want it be, i can't just drop how intense.

00:54:16: I am and have dedicated arm with sport.

00:54:18: so allow these are various to grow.

00:54:20: needs do both at the same time.

00:54:21: a need to lift The other parts in my life after where?

00:54:25: I'm not with sport when bring that intensity and that desire rather than sort dropping that down To meet the rest.

00:54:33: And and that t-one hundred was the highlight for me or is like okay you're leaving You know, you're leaving stuff on the table when it comes to sport compared to where you've been and your gonna regret that.

00:54:43: So no regrets, intensity back

00:54:47: all in.

00:54:48: I feel like we could have a whole conversation just on balance.

00:54:50: but i honestly appreciate so much because To me without trying to put you into any box or anything?

00:54:58: Your are just some someone who personifies That you never let circumstances write your story.

00:55:06: And going mental for me is, it's not about breaking down.

00:55:12: It's...it's about breaking through.

00:55:14: and with that I would like to close us off by a traditional question in any shape or form when was the last time you went mental?

00:55:26: And how?

00:55:28: When was the Last Time That I Went Mental?

00:55:34: Every six weeks at a minute i'm doing testing for LA Okay.

00:55:40: And like trying to set PBs every six weeks and I remember, every time before i do a five K run test or anything like that?

00:55:49: I go mental in my own head about how important it is the PB and how important It's.

00:55:54: just smash what my expectations of my trainers expectations for where I'm at.

00:56:01: Yeah, every six weeks.

00:56:02: I have that moment before i do an assessment where it's like.

00:56:05: this is the most important assessment of my life and going mental on putting all This pressure myself.

00:56:09: And then they don't you?

00:56:11: Do The thing when i'm doing It.

00:56:13: i'm not going into what i'm Not thinking about there and actually just trying to enjoy.

00:56:17: but theres definitely a probably About twenty minute window before each one Of those assessments were.

00:56:22: Like in my own head, I'm going mental about everything that could go wrong.

00:56:26: Could go right or I need to think about technique all of this kind of stuff.

00:56:30: so it's a bit of stress for twenty minutes.

00:56:32: yeah it's one hundred and i can relate.

00:56:34: And I-I Think It' s One Of Those Things That Will Probably Never Go Away Before Something That Matters.

00:56:39: When You Want Something you'll have To Go Mental At Times To Get It.

00:56:44: uh...and thats just My Little Twenty Minute Window before those tests where..i really want This!

00:56:49: I Really Wanna Improve & Do Better And I'm allowed to have that twenty minutes, but then other than that we just crack on.

00:56:57: Yeah

00:56:57: i love it!

00:56:58: I always used to tell myself That's my body telling me brain is ready and has to be slightly uncomfortable.

00:57:03: Whichever way it is Billy You're a champion.

00:57:06: thank you so much for taking the time.

00:57:08: really appreciate it.

00:57:09: Wish all of your best luck will follow for sure.

00:57:14: Until then stay healthy.

00:57:17: train well Thanks again for everything.

00:57:19: Stay mental.

00:57:20: Yeah, stay mental.

00:57:21: That's right!

00:57:23: Awesome Billy thanks a lot have a wonderful day and appreciate you.