Amputee veteran crosses finish line at Hawaii Ironman

Boris Baruch Shtonda finished the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10. The Israeli army veteran completed the course approximately three years after a wound sustained in the Gaza war required the amputation of his right leg.

Shtonda competed in the division for athletes with disabilities. The event required him to swim 3.8 kilometers, cycle 180 kilometers, and run a full marathon. He wore a custom-fitted running prosthetic designed specifically for the race.

The injury occurred about one month after Shtonda was deployed as a reservist in the IDF’s Duvdevan unit following the October 7 attacks. An explosive device severely wounded him in Beit Hanoun, a city in northern Gaza. Doctors amputated his leg above the knee after a series of surgeries.

Shtonda has used athletic challenges as a central part of his recovery process. Prior to the Hawaii race, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice and swam across the Sea of Galilee. He also finished a half Ironman race in Spain before deciding to train for the full distance in Hawaii.

The preparation period lasted a year and a half with support from Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, known as FIDF. Mike Hochstein, an FIDF supporter from Dallas, helped back Shtonda’s effort after meeting him during a bike ride through Israel last year. Hochstein described Shtonda’s dedication and perseverance as truly inspiring.

Shtonda dedicated the race to wounded soldiers and individuals undergoing rehabilitation. He told supporters that people must sometimes be their own heroes and pull themselves out of difficult situations. He urged others to keep the faith and believe in themselves.

Nadav Padan, the CEO of FIDF, stated that the result reflects the determination wounded soldiers bring to long rehabilitation processes. 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 set new goals.