One Leg, 180 Kilometers

Boris Baruch Shtonda crossed the finish line of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10. He completed the 226-kilometer course on a single prosthetic leg, joining the field of athletes with disabilities. The race concluded his personal challenge, a feat he first considered after his recovery from injuries sustained in the Gaza war.

The event demanded a 3.8-kilometer swim, an 180-kilometer bike ride, and a full marathon. Shtonda raced wearing a custom-fitted running prosthetic built specifically for the competition. His performance marked the culmination of a year and a half of intense preparation, supported by the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF).

Shtonda was serving as a reservist in the IDF’s Duvdevan unit when Hamas attacked on October 7. Roughly a month after deployment, an explosive device wounded him in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza. Doctors amputated his right leg above the knee after several surgeries. The injury occurred in 2023, making his Hawaii victory a milestone reached nearly three years later.

Athletics became a central part of Shtonda’s rehabilitation. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice and swam across the Sea of Galilee before completing a half Ironman in Spain. These achievements paved the way for his decision to train for the full World Championship. Mike Hochstein, an FIDF supporter from Dallas, met Shtonda during a bike ride through Israel last year. Hochstein described Shtonda’s dedication to pushing his limits as truly inspiring.

Shtonda dedicated his finish to wounded soldiers and anyone undergoing rehabilitation. "You are your own compass," he said. "Sometimes, we have to be our own heroes and pull ourselves out of the predicaments we find ourselves in. Keep the faith, and always, always, believe in yourselves."

Nadav Padan, CEO of FIDF, stated that the result reflects the determination of wounded soldiers in long-term recovery. "Recovery does not end when medical treatment is over," Padan said. He noted that continued support is required to rebuild strength and confidence. FIDF programs use sports and adventure activities to help veterans regain independence and set new goals beyond initial medical care.