Shtonda ends three-year recovery with Hawaii Ironman finish

Boris Baruch Shtonda crossed the finish line of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10. The 46-year-old Israeli army veteran completed the full course on a custom-fitted running prosthetic, marking the end of a three-year journey since his amputation. He raced in the division for athletes with disabilities, where the distance totals 226 kilometers: a 3.8 kilometer open water swim, a 180 kilometer bike leg, and a 42 kilometer marathon run.

Shtonda sustained his injury in Beit Hanoun, a city in northern Gaza, about a month after his deployment with the IDF's Duvdevan unit. He was serving as a reservist following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. An explosive device severely wounded him, and doctors later amputated his right leg above the knee after several surgeries.

The physical challenge became a central focus of his rehabilitation. Before attempting the full Hawaii event, Shtonda climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice and swam across the Sea of Galilee. He also finished a half Ironman in Spain. These feats preceded a year and a half of specific training for the championship race.

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) provided financial and logistical backing for his preparation. Mike Hochstein, a FIDF supporter from Dallas, helped fund the effort after meeting Shtonda during a bike ride in Israel last year. Hochstein described Shtonda's approach as defined by dedication and a commitment to pushing physical limits.

Shtonda dedicated the race to wounded soldiers and individuals in rehabilitation. He told supporters that athletes must often serve as their own heroes to overcome difficult circumstances. He urged others to maintain faith in their own abilities while navigating recovery.

Nadav Padan, CEO of FIDF and a former IDF major general, said the result illustrates the long-term nature of soldier recovery. He noted that medical treatment is only one phase of the process. FIDF programs use sports and adventure activities to help veterans rebuild strength and independence. The organization aims to support soldiers and their families in setting new goals beyond initial hospital care.

Shtonda’s finish adds to a list of athletic milestones achieved during his recovery. The event in Hawaii remains one of the most demanding multi-sport competitions in the world. His participation highlights the role of adaptive equipment and structured training in enabling athletes with disabilities to compete at elite levels.