Iowa’s Armless Archer Claims Gold at Paris Paralympics

My memory of the 1984 Olympics as a kid is very vivid.  I remember watching Mary-Lou Retton’s vault and the landing she stuck while nursing an injured ankle.  Since then, I have made it a point to watch some of whatever Olympics was up.  These are athletes at the top of their game, well, most of them.  The kangaroo hop from Rachael “Raygun” Gunn is not medal-worthy but definitely worth a watch. Though, I would expect a little more from someone with a Ph.D. in breakdancing.  

The athletes are amazing and it’s good they are at the top of their game because I am not, athletically.  I’m on the radio for a reason, my face and I can sit down and sometimes I do stand up but quickly sit right back down.  I’m winded just thinking about getting back up, ugh!   

Following each Olympics is the Paralympics focusing on athletes with physical disabilities, not to be confused with Special Olympics which is athletes with intellectual disabilities.   This year 7 athletes are representing Iowa, and one is ready to bring home gold.   

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Meet Paralympian Matt Stutzman, he’s an archer born without arms.  the 41-year-old from Fairfield, scored 149 out of the maximum 150 points vs China’s Ai Xinlang, the bronze medalist from Toyko 2020, in the five-end final.  Matt made some big shots count to win gold in the men’s individual compound event and break a Paralympic record.   

Matt began his archery career in 2010 when a friend took him bow hunting.   Stutzman borrowed a bow and bagged a deer and that was the beginning.   

Recently, he has developed a keen interest in drag racing. In an interview with the Southwest Iowa Union, he mentioned that his early experience with driving a tractor at just 7 years old helped him build valuable skills, which later translated into obtaining a license for regular, unmodified vehicles. His lifelong passion for tinkering with cars has led him to handle all of his car's maintenance personally. 

Two years ago, he acquired his current racecar, which has been customized to suit his specific needs, including a modification to shorten the steering wheel. Stutzman has already started competing in drag races across Iowa and other Midwestern states.