Outer Rings

“The Armless Archer” sounds like a circus attraction, right? You’re probably picturing a ringmaster in a top hat shouting, “Ladies and gentlemen, step right up and see the Amazing Matt Stutzman!” Well, my archery career didn’t start off that exciting.

I started alone in the Iowa woods with a bow in my foot and the hopes of harvesting a deer to feed my family. When I entered my first archery tournament later that year and a bow manufacturer wanted to sponsor me, a friend told me: “Matt, the reason why they sponsor you is because you have no arms, and you draw attention to their products, and it’s not because you’re good.” Some friend, huh? Joking aside, he was right. I wasn’t that good, and I didn’t want people to be interested in my archery just because I have no arms. I wanted to be known as the best archer in the world.

Hitting the Bullseye

Since my humble beginnings, I have:

  • Competed in the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, winning a silver medal in the 2012 games.

  • Broken the able-bodied Guinness World Record for the longest, most accurate shot in the sport.

  • Appeared in the 2013 documentary My Way to Olympia.

  • Won the gold medal at the 2022 World Para Archery Championships.

Talking About Targets

I incorporate archery demonstrations in my speaking events, and I enjoy using my archery technique as a means to show people that anything is possible.

Beyond a strap wrapped around my chest, I don’t rely on any gear modifications.

Interested in hearing and seeing more? Book me for a speaking event!