Matt Stutzman

Matt Stutzman, born without arms in December 1982, was adopted by Leon and Jean Stutzman in January 1983. They guided him through a youth full of everyday challenges, teaching him to be independent and self-reliant. The Stutzman's philosophy was straightforward - Stutzman could attempt anything, provided he could do it on his own. This upbringing led Stutzman to become a versatile individual capable of handling a wide range of tasks with his feet.

Originally fitted with prosthetic arms, Stutzman found them unnatural and decided against their use. Today, he lives without prosthetics in an unmodified world. His home, car, and surroundings are void of any special alterations. He performs everyday activities such as eating, grooming, writing, playing the guitar, and even car maintenance using his feet. His remarkable abilities also extend to bow and arrow, a sport in which he has achieved notable success.

Stutzman's interest in marksmanship started with shooting a gun, and he eventually mastered shooting a penny 50 yards away. His passion for archery was ignited when he desired to join his father in hunting. Over time, this passion developed into his dream of becoming the world's best archer. He believes that his unique physical challenges provide him with a distinct advantage in archery, providing him with exceptional stability while shooting with his foot. This, coupled with his extraordinary patience and tenacity, aids his performance in the sport.

As an American Paralympic archer, Stutzman has competed at both the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics. His performance at the 2012 London Games garnered him a silver medal. He has also achieved notable success in recent years, winning a gold medal at the 2022 World Para Archery Championships. Stutzman's skills in the sport are unparalleled and he holds a world record for the longest accurate shot in archery.

Known as The Armless Archer, Stutzman's inspiring story has received widespread media attention. As a public speaker, he uses humor and demonstrations of his unique abilities to engage and inspire audiences. Stutzman has also shared his journey in the 2013 documentary film, My Way to Olympia.

Stutzman is married and a father to three sons - Carter, Cameron, and Alex. Despite his physical challenges, he continues to live a fulfilling and inspiring life, demonstrating that with resilience and determination, anything is possible.