A 41-year-old archer from Fairfield, Iowa, known for competing in Paralympic archery without arms.
Matt Stutzman
Stutzman has been a pioneering figure in armless archery, inspiring others to take up the sport.
Trailblazer
This year at the Paris Paralympics, there were three other armless archers: Piotr Van Montagu (Belgium), Víctor Sardina Viveros (Mexico), and Sheetal Devi (India).
Participation
Stutzman has mentored several armless archers, including Van Montagu and Devi, and has inspired many to try archery.
Mentorship
ollowing the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Stutzman received inquiries from other armless individuals interested in archery
Rio Games
Stutzman is a four-time Paralympian and won a gold medal in the 2024 games, setting a record in a close final against China’s Ai Xinliang
Paralympic Success
Stutzman set a world record for the longest accurate shot with a compound bow at 310 yards.
World Record
regularly competed against non-disabled archers and believes his leg strength gives him an edge
Competitor
Stutzman loads an arrow by pinching the bow with his toes, drawing it with his leg, and releasing it using a release aid activated by his chin and body movement
Shooting Technique
Born without arms, Stutzman learned to perform daily tasks using his feet, including tying shoes, typing, and driving
Adaptability
Despite his abilities, Stutzman faced stigma and struggled to find employment due to his visible disability.
Career Challenges
In 2010, Stutzman saw archery on TV, which inspired him to pursue the sport professionally.
Inspiration from TV
He felt that archery could be a means to provide for his family, believing that a bow “doesn’t care who shoots it
Determination
With no role models, Stutzman learned archery by mimicking professional archers from online videos
Self-Taught
Within a month of starting, he placed in the top two in a competition and qualified for the 2012 Paralympics within two years.
Early Success
Stutzman faced many doubts about his abilities due to his appearance but found confidence in archery
Overcoming Doubts
Archery became a means for Stutzman to prove his capabilities and overcome societal limitations.
Personal Achievement
His success and perseverance have encouraged others with similar disabilities to pursue archery and sports
Inspiration to Others
Stutzman’s achievements have helped to increase the visibility and participation of armless individuals in competitive archery.
Community Impact
His story exemplifies overcoming obstacles and using personal passion to inspire and lead others in the face of adversity