Ironman Victory: Israeli Reservist Completes World Championship

Boris Baruch Shtonda crossed the finish line of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10. The Israeli army veteran completed the event roughly three years after losing his right leg during the war in Gaza. He competed in the division for athletes with disabilities, wearing a custom-fitted running prosthetic for the race.

The championship requires competitors to swim 3.8 kilometers, cycle 180 kilometers, and run a full marathon. Shtonda finished the course in Kailua-Kona, marking the culmination of a recovery process that began after a severe injury in Beit Hanoun. He was serving as a reservist in the Duvdevan unit when an explosive device wounded him about a month after his deployment following the October 7 attacks.

Doctors amputated his right leg above the knee after several surgeries. Shtonda turned athletic challenges into a central part of his rehabilitation. He has since climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice, swum across the Sea of Galilee, and completed a half Ironman race in Spain. These achievements led him to train for the full distance in Hawaii.

The preparation period lasted a year and a half. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) provided financial and logistical backing for his training. Mike Hochstein, an FIDF supporter from Dallas, met Shtonda during a charity bike ride through Israel last year. Hochstein described the athlete's dedication and perseverance as truly inspiring.

Shtonda dedicated his performance to wounded soldiers and individuals undergoing rehabilitation. He stated that athletes must become their own compass and pull themselves out of difficult situations. He urged others to keep the faith and believe in their abilities, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Nadav Padan, the CEO of FIDF, said the result reflects the determination required for long-term rehabilitation. He noted that recovery extends beyond the end of medical treatment. Padan emphasized the need for continued support to rebuild strength and confidence. FIDF uses sports and adventure activities to help veterans regain independence and set new goals.

The organization's programs aim to assist IDF soldiers and their families in returning to daily life. Supporters in the United States contribute to this effort. Shtonda’s finish adds to the record of wounded soldiers using high-level athletic performance as a method of physical and mental reconstruction.