Amputee reservist crosses finish line at Hawaii Ironman

The Ironman World Championship in Hawaii includes a 3.8 kilometer swim, a 180 kilometer bike ride, and a full marathon. It is one of the most demanding endurance events in the sporting world.

Boris Baruch Shtonda finished the race on October 10. He competed in the division for athletes with disabilities. Shtonda wore a custom-fitted running prosthetic for his right leg.

The Israeli army veteran lost his right leg above the knee about three years before the race. He was serving in the IDF's Duvdevan unit when an explosive device wounded him in Beit Hanoun. Doctors amputated the leg after several surgeries.

Shtonda made athletic challenges a central part of his recovery. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice and swam across the Sea of Galilee. He also finished a half Ironman race in Spain before training for the full event in Hawaii.

His preparation lasted a year and a half. The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, or FIDF, backed his training. 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 people in rehabilitation. He told supporters that individuals must often 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, said the result shows the determination of wounded soldiers. He noted that recovery requires continued support and new goals after medical treatment ends. FIDF uses sports and adventure activities to help veterans regain independence and rebuild confidence.