Serial adventurer completes super-triathlon after he cycled, rowed and climbed across the globe

James Ketchell arrived in the UK on Sunday after cycling 29,000 km

James Ketchell, the adventurer who was seriously hurt in a motorbike accident has thought to have cycled into the record books by becoming the first person to complete the trio of gruelling challenges, as he crosses the finish line for his challenge at Greenwich Park, London. (Andrew Brookes/Innesco/PA Wire)

A self-proclaimed serial adventurer has returned to Britain after completing what has been called the world’s toughest triathlon.

James Ketchell, who is nicknamed Captain Ketch, arrived in Greenwich, south-east London, on Sunday, after he cycled 29,000 kilometres (18,000 miles) across the globe in 214 days.

Averaging 160 kilometres (100 miles) a day, he pedalled 420 kilometres (262-miles) from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore during the longest stint of his trip.

Mr Ketchell's so-called "global triathlon" also saw him single-handedly row 4,800 kilometres (3,000 miles) across the Atlantic Ocean, and climb Mount Everest. His gruelling series of consecutive challenges is believed to have made him a record breaker.

The 31-year-old's incredible feat comes after he shattered his ankle, broke both of his legs and an arm, in a motorbike accident in 2007. At the time, doctors told him he would never walk properly again.

"After my accident, I felt I needed something to do to prove to myself that I'm alright. I think I've done that now," he told the Daily Mail.

"Mentally, the cycle was the toughest part of my triathlon, but physically it was climbing Everest. The Atlantic row was actually quite enjoyable."

"It's an incredible feeling, I'm just so happy and relieved to have done it and hopefully I've inspired other people to achieve what they want to do in life in the process," he added.

Mr Ketchell, from Basingstoke, Hampshire, told the BBC that while in the Atlantic Ocean, he would sleep in a braced position and would often be tipped upside down in his boat when he hit waves.

Speaking of his Everest climb, he said: "The true heroes are the Sherpa's and the people working on the mountain, you wouldn't be able to do anything without those guys.”

Next year, Mr Ketchell plans on to row across the Indian Ocean with a friend who suffers from epilepsy. The pair hope to highlight how much life can be enjoyed by people with the condition.

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