One-legged IDF veteran finishes Hawaii Ironman

Boris Baruch Shtonda crossed the finish line of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10. The race marked the end of a three-year recovery process for the Israeli army veteran, who competes in the division for athletes with disabilities. He completed the 3.8-kilometer swim, 180-kilometer bike course, and full marathon while wearing a custom-fitted running prosthetic on his right leg.

Shtonda was serving as a reservist in the Israel Defense Forces' Duvdevan unit following the Hamas attacks on October 7. Approximately one month after his deployment, an explosive device injured him in Beit Hanoun, a city in northern Gaza. Doctors performed several surgeries before amputating his right leg above the knee.

The injury reshaped his athletic goals. Shtonda made physical challenges a core part of his rehabilitation. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice, swam across the Sea of Galilee, and finished a half Ironman race in Spain. These achievements led him to train for the full triathlon in Hawaii.

The preparation phase lasted a year and a half. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) provided financial and logistical backing for his training. Mike Hochstein, a Dallas-based FIDF supporter who met Shtonda on a bike ride through Israel last year, helped support the effort. Hochstein described Shtonda's dedication and commitment to pushing limits as truly inspiring.

Shtonda dedicated his race to wounded soldiers and others undergoing rehabilitation. He told supporters to be their own heroes and pull themselves out of difficult situations. He urged athletes to keep their faith and always believe in themselves.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan, CEO of FIDF, stated that the result reflects the determination of wounded soldiers during long rehabilitation periods. He noted that recovery continues after medical treatment ends and requires continued support to rebuild strength and confidence. FIDF uses sports and adventure activities to help veterans regain independence and return to daily life.

FIDF supporters in the United States assist in this process by providing resources for wounded soldiers and their families. The organization aims to help veterans set new goals beyond their initial medical treatment. Shtonda's finish in Hawaii serves as a concrete example of this ongoing support network.