Former race car driver and television personality Billy Monger participated in an open water swimming festival alongside thousands of others in central London.

Monger, who experienced the amputation of both legs due to an accident at Donington Park in 2017, described the Swim Serpentine event at Hyde Park as a “fantastic experience to be involved in.”

The 26-year-old from Charlwood, Surrey, was one of the 5,000 participants in the event, and he has set his sights on competing in the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028.

After finishing his swim, he expressed how enjoyable it was to take part in an event filled with such positive energy.

He remarked, “While it serves a training purpose, it’s wonderful to be in a setting where everyone is smiling and excited to participate.”

Broadcaster Ayo Akinwolere also joined in on the festivities, where participants tackled various distances – ranging from half a mile to six miles.

In October of last year, Monger made headlines by breaking an Ironman record at the World Championship held in Kona, Hawaii.

In 2021, he successfully raised £3 million for Comic Relief through Billy’s Big Challenge, a venture that involved walking, cycling, and kayaking across England.