Giving His Best Shot In Paris

The 41-year-old Stutzman is competing at his fourth Paralympics this week in the French capital. The game-changing and well-known armless archer has indicated that these will most likely be his final Paralympics.

The Fairfield, Iowa, native is optimistic that he can fire enough accurate arrows to bring home his first Paralympics gold medal. Stutzman won a silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, 12 years ago.

For his Paralympics swansong, Stutzman is accompanied by his partner Jessica and additinonal family members here. Their family together consists of five sons between the ages of 12 and 21.

“I was very emotional seeing my family – I tried not to cry,” Stutzman said. “Just being here, having my family watching me underneath this awesome venue with the Eiffel Tower – whatever happens from here on out, I’m happy and satisfied.

“This moment is special I don’t know how you really top today, other than winning a gold medal. I feel like there has been a gold medal in my heart already.”

Considering his fine form and relaxed demeanor in the opening match, no one is doubting the Para Archery veteran’s gold medal potential in Paris. However, Stutzman has been persevering through a right hip injury since 2022.

Evidence that Stutzman has remained in top form taking on considerably younger archers is his world title from Dubai, UAE, in 2022. For his success, World Archery named Stutzman as Male Para Archer of the Year for 2022.

Stutzman’s technique and deadly accuracy as an armless archer continues to astound fans and first-time observers. Competing without arms, Stutzman uses other parts of his body to fire arrows. First, he relies on his left foot to place the arrow while holding the bow with his right foot. Then he pulls the string of the bow back, using a contraption attached to his right shoulder. Finally, he moves his jaw to trigger the contraption and release the arrow.

His ability to consistently hit the center of the target over a long and propserous, trail-blazing archery career spanning nearly 13 years is uncanny.

A Touch Of Serendipity?

Stutzman overcame unforeseen and challenging equipment malfunctions during qualifications leading up to Friday’s match versus Sardina Viveros. Rather than seeing it as a concerning negative, he views it as a rosy, telltale sign, of what may lie ahead.

“Here’s the cool thing – I had issues with my release during the first part of qualifications and had to struggle through it until the half,” Stutzman said. “Then I fixed it, cleaned it up, got it all working good, and had a strong second half.

“I’m rolling again, the release is working good and I’m confident – ironically, the last time my release broke was in 2022, where I went into the eliminations in last place, but then become a world champion, so I think I’m ok,” Stutzman said, with a smile.

Stutzman continues his quest for Paralympic gold and glory with a round of eight elimination match versus Jere Forsberg of Finland, on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Invalides venue.

Matt Stutzman Remains On Target For Further Greatness In Para Archery

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