Hawaii Ironman Victory for Shtonda After Gaza Amputation

Boris Baruch Shtonda covered 226 kilometers in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10. The distance includes a 3.8 kilometer swim, a 180 kilometer bike ride, and a full marathon. He completed the event in the division for athletes with disabilities. He wore a custom-fitted running prosthetic on his right leg.

Shtonda lost his right leg above the knee in the Gaza war. He served as a reservist in the IDF Duvdevan unit following the October 7 attacks. About a month after deployment, an explosive device injured him in Beit Hanoun. Doctors performed several surgeries before amputating his leg.

The race took place roughly three years after his injury. Shtonda made athletic challenges a central goal of his recovery. He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice and swum across the Sea of Galilee. He also finished a half Ironman in Spain before training for the full event.

His preparation lasted a year and a half. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces backed the effort. Mike Hochstein of Dallas, an FIDF supporter, met Shtonda during an FIDF bike ride through Israel last year. Hochstein noted that Shtonda’s dedication and commitment to pushing limits are inspiring.

Shtonda dedicated the race to wounded soldiers and those in rehabilitation. He told his audience that people are their own compass. He said they must be their own heroes and pull themselves out of difficult situations. He urged them to keep the faith and believe in themselves.

Nadav Padan, CEO of FIDF, said the result reflects the determination of wounded soldiers during long rehabilitation. He stated that recovery does not end when medical treatment is over. Padan added that continued support helps veterans rebuild strength and confidence. FIDF uses sports and adventure activities to help soldiers regain independence and return to daily life.