Paralympic Games: Armless Archers hog limelight. Here’s all you may want to know

Matt Stutzman, an armless para archer, has redefined the sport, inspiring a new generation of athletes. His achievements are making waves at the Paralympic Games.

Who is Matt Stutzman?

Matt Stutzman, born without arms, has transformed para archery. He competes using his legs to hold the bow and his jaw to draw the bowstring. This unique approach led him to win a gold medal with a Paralympic record score of 149. Stutzman’s success has inspired other athletes without arms to take up archery, making his legacy a significant part of the sport's history.

Armless Archers’ Popularity

Stutzman’s influence is visible in the growing number of armless archers competing in the Paralympic Games. In addition to Stutzman, two other armless athletes competed in the men’s compound open category, and another, Sheetal Devi, competed in the women’s competition.


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Stutzman’s Journey

Stutzman was adopted by a family of hunters in Iowa. Despite his physical challenges, he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and brother. His father helped him buy his first bow at age 16. However, the bow was stolen the following year, and Stutzman did not purchase another until almost a decade later. Once he resumed archery, his skills quickly advanced, leading him to win a silver medal at the 2012 Paralympics.

World Records

In 2015, Stutzman set a world record by hitting a target from 283.47 meters away. This record surpassed the previous one held by an able-bodied archer.

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Para Archery’s Future

Stutzman has announced that these Paralympic Games will be his last due to hip issues caused by shooting with his leg for many years.

FAQs:

What impact has Matt Stutzman had on para archery?
Matt Stutzman has redefined para archery, showing that athletes without arms can excel, inspiring a new generation of armless archers.

Who is Sheetal Devi in para archery?
Sheetal Devi is a 17-year-old armless archer who won a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games, inspired by Matt Stutzman.