Matt Stutzman

Matt Stutzman is recognized in the archery and adaptive sports communities for his achievements as a Paralympic athlete. Born without arms, Stutzman developed a unique archery technique, using his legs and feet to perform tasks typically requiring hands. He began practicing archery in his 20s, initially as a means to provide for his family, and quickly advanced in the sport.

Stutzman represented the United States in multiple Paralympic Games, earning a silver medal in his debut and later becoming the first competitor without arms to win a gold medal in para archery. His career includes additional honors such as a bronze medal at the Paralympics, a silver medal at the Para Pan American Games, and a team gold medal at the World Archery Para Championships. Stutzman also set a Guinness World Record by hitting a target from 310 yards, the longest distance recorded by any athlete.

He has been named Athlete of the Year by World Archery and received recognition as Best Male Summer Athlete in the Para Sport Awards. Stutzman’s achievements extend to the ParaArchery World Championship and the U.S. National Target Championship in the able-bodied division. His influence has contributed to the growth of para archery, with several armless archers now ranked among the world’s top competitors.

Stutzman has appeared in the Netflix documentary "Rising Phoenix" and was featured in HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel." He also co-hosts the podcast "Rising Phoenix" with Michael Johnson. Beyond archery, Stutzman has participated in amateur drag racing, competing in Sportsman races at Eddyville Raceway Park.

As a public speaker, Stutzman addresses topics related to adaptive sports, overcoming adversity, and redefining perceived limitations. He continues to impact the archery community and broader audiences through his advocacy and presentations, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in sports and daily life.