Boris Shtonda Completes 226-Kilometer Ironman on One Leg

Boris Baruch Shtonda finished the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10, completing a 226-kilometer course that required him to swim 3.8 kilometers, cycle 180 kilometers, and run a full marathon. He competed in the division for athletes with disabilities, using a custom-fitted running prosthetic for the final leg of the race.

Shtonda lost his right leg above the knee after sustaining severe wounds from an explosive device in Beit Hanoun, a city in northern Gaza. He was serving as a reservist in the Israeli Defense Forces Duvdevan unit at the time, roughly one month after deployment following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Doctors performed several surgeries before amputating the limb.

The athlete spent the last three years making physical challenges a central part of his recovery. His previous achievements include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro twice, swimming across the Sea of Galilee, and completing a half Ironman in Spain. He began training for the full Hawaii event after those milestones, a process that took one and a half years.

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) backed Shtonda during his preparation. Mike Hochstein, an FIDF supporter from Dallas, met Shtonda during a bike ride through Israel last year. Hochstein described Shtonda’s dedication and perseverance as truly inspiring.

Shtonda dedicated his finish to wounded soldiers and individuals undergoing rehabilitation. He stated that athletes must be their own heroes to pull themselves out of difficult situations. He urged others to keep the faith and believe in themselves.

Nadav Padan, CEO of FIDF and a reserve major general, said the result reflects the determination wounded soldiers bring to long rehabilitation. Padan noted that recovery continues after medical treatment ends, requiring continued support to rebuild strength and confidence. FIDF uses sports and adventure activities to help veterans regain independence and set new goals beyond initial medical care.

The organization’s programs aim to help IDF soldiers and their families through rehabilitation, sports, and adventure activities. The goal is to build physical and mental resilience, allowing veterans to return to daily life and establish new objectives.