From being critically wounded to winning a silver medal

December 24, 1996. The day the world fell apart for Koby Leon. A soldier in the “Egoz” Special Operations Unit serving in Southern Lebanon, Koby was hit by an explosive device and critically wounded. He was paralyzed from the upper torso down the length of his body.

Today, thanks to his rehabilitation at Beit Halochem, Koby is independent, has traveled the world, and works as a computer programmer in Tel Aviv, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Koby had always been active in sports and in the past 7 years, has taken up handbike riding. He started to race competitively. The idea of Koby going to race at the London Olympics became a serious possibility which would require a great investment of time and intensive training.

With the help of the coaches from Beit Halochem, Koby competed in local and international tournaments. And then- the unbelievable win! Koby Leon captured the silver medal for handbike riding at the 2012 London Olympics!!

Thanks to the support and dedication of the coaches and staff from Beit Halochem’s cycling program, Koby was able to realize his dream.

Mazal tov to all the Paralympic athletes who brought home 8 medals and thank you to all the Beit Halochem coaches who have made this spectacular win possible!

Koby also participated in our 2013 Courage in Motion ride.