Hawaii Ironman finish marks end of long recovery for Gaza veteran

Boris Baruch Shtonda crossed the finish line of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on October 10, completing a race that required a 3.8-kilometer swim, a 180-kilometer bike ride, and a 42-kilometer run. He competed in the division for athletes with disabilities using a custom-fitted running prosthetic. This accomplishment concluded a recovery period lasting approximately three years.

Shtonda’s path to the Hawaii start line began in Beit Hanoun, a city in northern Gaza. He was serving as a reservist in the IDF’s Duvdevan unit following the October 7 attacks. An explosive device injured him about a month after his deployment. Medical teams performed several surgeries before amputating his right leg above the knee.

He began treating athletic achievement as a primary objective of his rehabilitation. Since the amputation, Shtonda has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on two occasions. He also swam across the Sea of Galilee and completed a half Ironman race in Spain. These feats preceded his decision to train for the full world championship in Hawaii.

The training regimen lasted one and a half years. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) provided financial and logistical backing for the effort. Mike Hochstein, an FIDF supporter from Dallas, met Shtonda during a group bike ride through Israel last year. Hochstein described the veteran’s effort as driven by dedication and a commitment to pushing physical limits.

FIDF CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan stated that the result demonstrates the determination required for long-term recovery. Padan noted that the process extends beyond the end of medical treatment. He emphasized the need for continued support to help soldiers rebuild strength and confidence while setting new goals. FIDF programs in the United States assist wounded soldiers and their families through these rehabilitation activities.

Shtonda dedicated his performance to wounded soldiers and individuals undergoing rehabilitation. He told supporters that individuals must act as their own guides during difficult periods. He encouraged others to believe in their ability to overcome challenges and maintain their faith in the process.

The race took place in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Shtonda was the first to cross the line in his specific category for that day. His completion of the event stands as a measurable conclusion to his physical rehabilitation journey following the combat injury.