Israeli Veteran Finishes Hawaii Ironman on Prosthetic Leg

Boris Baruch Shtonda crossed the finish line of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10, completing the full distance course on a single prosthetic leg. The Israeli army veteran competed in the division for athletes with disabilities, a category that demands the same physical toll as the open division.

The race required competitors to swim 3.8 kilometers, cycle 180 kilometers, and run a 42.2-kilometer marathon. Shtonda wore a custom-fitted running prosthetic designed specifically for the event. His participation marked the culmination of a recovery process that began roughly three years ago when he sustained severe injuries in combat.

Shtonda was serving as a reservist in the IDF's Duvdevan unit following the October 7 attack. During a deployment in Beit Hanoun, a city in northern Gaza, an explosive device wounded him. After multiple surgeries, doctors amputated his right leg above the knee. He has since used athletic milestones as a framework for his rehabilitation.

Prior to the Hawaii race, Shtonda climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice and swam across the Sea of Galilee. He also completed a half Ironman in Spain before deciding to train for the full championship. The preparation period lasted one and a half years and was supported by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, known as FIDF.

Mike Hochstein, an FIDF supporter from Dallas, helped back Shtonda after meeting him on a charity bike ride through Israel last year. Hochstein described Shtonda's dedication and commitment to pushing physical limits as a key driver of the veteran's progress.

Shtonda dedicated the finish to wounded soldiers and individuals undergoing rehabilitation. He told supporters that athletes must act as their own compass and believe in their ability to overcome difficult circumstances. The FIDF organization stated that its support for Shtonda is part of a wider effort to assist wounded IDF personnel and their families.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan, the CEO of FIDF, said the result reflects the determination of soldiers in long-term recovery. He noted that medical treatment is only one phase of healing and that continued support is necessary for veterans to rebuild strength and set new goals.