In a field of archers with outstretched arms and bows, one stands out by using an entirely different method. Matt Stutzman, a 41-year-old archer from Fairfield, Iowa, is the only armless competitor in the Paralympic men’s individual compound para archery competition. His technique, relying on an outstretched leg instead of arms, is not just unique—it’s groundbreaking.
The Rise of Armless Archers in Paralympics
Stutzman’s influence in the sport is undeniable. He has been a trailblazer, inspiring others without arms to take up archery. This year, the Paralympic Games in Paris saw three other armless archers competing: Piotr Van Montagu from Belgium, Víctor Sardina Viveros from Mexico, and India’s Sheetal Devi, the only female armless competitor.
Devi and Van Montagu are just two of the many archers who have been mentored by Stutzman. His impact reaches far beyond competition, as more individuals without arms are encouraged to explore archery thanks to his guidance and example.
Matt Stutzman: A Paralympic Trailblazer
Stutzman, a four-time Paralympian and silver medalist, set a world record in 2015 for the farthest accurate archery shot using a compound bow. This record was set at an impressive 310 yards, a feat unmatched by most, regardless of physical ability. Competing regularly against non-disabled archers, Stutzman attributes much of his success to the strength and steadiness of his legs, which allow him to aim and hold his position for extended periods.
His method is extraordinary: to load an arrow, he uses the toes of his right foot to pinch the bow, pushes his leg out to draw the bowstring, and finally, releases the arrow by applying chin pressure to a release aid. His precision and steadiness are remarkable, as the arrow swiftly and accurately meets its target.
Learning Archery: Overcoming Challenges Without Role Models
Stutzman’s journey to becoming a world-class archer was not easy. Born without arms, he had to learn to navigate life using his feet. Tasks like tying his shoes, typing, and driving were accomplished through determination and innovation. Despite his capabilities, Stutzman faced significant challenges, particularly in finding employment, due to the stigma attached to his visible disability.
In 2010, he discovered archery through a TV program and felt an immediate connection. He was determined to use a bow to provide for his family. With no role models or instructional guides available, Stutzman taught himself by watching professional archers online. Within a month, he was confident enough to enter his first competition, where he finished among the top competitors. Just two years later, he earned a spot in the 2012 Paralympics.
“For so long, I was told what I couldn’t do because of how I looked,” Stutzman recalled. “When I found archery, I realized it was something I could do, something no one could tell me I wasn’t capable of.”
Mentorship: Guiding the Next Generation of Armless Athletes
Stutzman’s influence extends beyond his personal achievements. At the start of the para archery competition in Paris, he competed alongside Van Montagu and Sardina Viveros—both of whom credit him as their inspiration. Van Montagu, who became the second armless archer to compete in the Paralympics, first tried archery after watching videos of Stutzman. Despite being competitors, the two have developed a friendship, with Stutzman offering advice on archery techniques. Van Montagu notes that balance is one of the key challenges for armless archers, something Stutzman’s guidance has helped him improve.
Sardina Viveros, who began archery just two years ago, also attributes his start in the sport to Stutzman. “It’s an honor to compete against Matt Stutzman,” he said, recognizing Stutzman as one of the best archers in the world.
Stutzman’s mentorship has also been instrumental for Sheetal Devi, who came close to breaking a world para archery record during the competition in Paris. Under his guidance, she finished second in the ranking round of the individual women’s compound para archery competition.
A New Challenge: Transitioning to Drag Racing
Looking ahead, Stutzman anticipates that by the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles, the number of armless archers will double. Whether or not he secures another medal in Paris, he considers this growing interest in the sport his greatest achievement.
“For me, that is my gold medal,” Stutzman said. “It’s now up to them to continue what I started.”
This may be Stutzman’s last Paralympic Games, as he has been battling hip issues related to his unique shooting style, which requires him to hold his leg up high, putting strain on his hip muscles.
“The more I shoot, the more sore my hips and legs get,” he explained. “Legs weren’t designed to do what mine have been doing for the past 13 years.”
As he considers stepping back from archery, Stutzman has already set his sights on a new sport: drag racing. He has obtained his professional license and started competing in events. Stutzman notes that drag racing is easier on his hips, as the position he holds while driving differs from that required in archery.
Stutzman has begun receiving messages from other armless individuals across the United States, asking for advice on learning to drive. He plans to continue using his platform to inspire and educate others, proving that people without arms can excel in various aspects of life, including driving and pursuing careers.
“I never saw myself as a pioneer,” Stutzman said. “I thought everyone without arms shot a bow or drove a car, but I guess I was wrong. Maybe in the future, we’ll see more armless drag racers too.”
