Matt Stutzman
Armless archer who won Paralympic gold in 2024.
Matt Stutzman is an American archer who competes in the Paralympics. Born without arms, he uses his legs and feet for archery and other activities. He won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Paralympics and a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
Quick Facts
- Full Name
- Matthew Stutzman
- Birth Date
- 1982-12-10
- Birth Place
- Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
- Sport
- Para-archery
- Event
- Compound open
- Coach
- Randi Smith
- Header Color
- lightsteelblue
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Stutzman was born without arms; no underlying condition is known to have caused this. He was put up for adoption at four months old and adopted at thirteen months by Leon and Jean Stutzman. He grew up in Iowa with seven siblings in the Mennonite faith. He began practicing archery at age 28 in 2010. In 2015, he broke the world record for the furthest accurate distance shot, a record previously held by an able-bodied archer. He competed in his first Paralympics in 2012, winning silver. He went on to compete in 2016, 2020, and 2024, winning gold in Paris in 2024 by defeating Ai Xinliang in a shoot-off. He mentored Sheetal Devi, who also competed in 2024. Stutzman stated that the 2024 Paralympics may be his final competition due to hip issues. He is featured in the 2020 documentary film Rising Phoenix.
Reader's Guide
Stutzman's significance lies in his achievements as an armless archer who competes at the highest level of Paralympic sport. His gold medal in 2024, won in a shoot-off, capped a career that began only in 2010. His world record for the furthest accurate distance shot, set in 2015, surpassed a mark held by an able-bodied archer, demonstrating his technical skill and adaptability. Beyond archery, Stutzman pursued drag racing, making his amateur debut in 2012 and his National Hot Rod Association debut in 2025, reaching 214.69 mph. He drives using his feet, with his right foot steering and left foot on the pedals, and uses his toes to operate controls. His legacy includes mentoring younger athletes like Sheetal Devi and being featured in the documentary Rising Phoenix. His career may have ended with the 2024 Paralympics due to hip issues, but his impact on adaptive sports is established through his medals, records, and dual-sport pursuits.
Did You Know?
- He made his NHRA debut in 2025, reaching 214.69 mph.
- He mentored Sheetal Devi, who competed in the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matt Stutzman?
Matt Stutzman is an American Paralympic archer born on December 10, 1982, in Kansas City, Kansas. He is best known for competing in Olympic archery despite being born without arms, relying entirely on his legs and feet to draw and release the bowstring.
How does Matt Stutzman shoot arrows without using his arms?
Stutzman grips the bow and nocks the arrow using his feet and lower legs, then draws the string with his foot to release the shot. This technique lets him compete at the highest level of target archery alongside able-bodied competitors.
What Paralympic medals has Matt Stutzman won?
He earned a silver medal at the 2012 London Games and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. Across his career he has appeared at four consecutive Paralympics: 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.
What world record does Matt Stutzman hold?
In 2015 he set the world record for the furthest accurate distance shot in archery. The record underscores his exceptional precision and power when shooting with his feet.
Where does Matt Stutzman live and train?
Although he was born in Kansas City, Kansas, Stutzman resides in Fairfield, Iowa, where he continues to train and compete on the national and international archery circuit.
More in Archers, Part 2 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced