Key Notes
- Matt Stutzman, known as the “Armless Archer,” won gold in his fourth Paralympics in Paris in 2024.
- Stutzman’s soon-to-be wife Jessica and their blended family of five sons were in Paris to support him.
- The 41-year-old archer from Fairfield, Iowa, has inspired a new generation of armless archers.
Matt Stutzman, the renowned “Armless Archer,” is again making headlines after winning gold in his fourth Paralympic Games in Paris.
The 41-year-old from Fairfield, Iowa, shared the glorious moment celebrating with his family by his side.
Family Support In Paris
For the first time, Stutzman’s fiancee Jessica and their blended family of five sons, ages 12 to 21, traveled to watch him compete on the world stage.
“I was very emotional seeing my family – I tried not to cry,” Stutzman shared after his first match.
“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.”
The family’s presence adds an extra layer of motivation for Stutzman, who refers to these Games as the “Memories Games.”
He expressed his desire to show off for his children, saying, “I’m going to be showing off for them because I want them to know that dad’s awesome.”
An Inspiration For Millions
Stutzman’s journey in archery began in 2009 when he taught himself to shoot a bow using his feet.
Since then, he has won a silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympics and inspired a new generation of armless archers.
In a historic moment at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Stutzman faced off against Mexican archer Victor Sardina Viveros, marking the first time two armless archers competed head-to-head at the Games.
“The future of the sport with armless archers is going to go well above and beyond what I started and for me, that’s my gold medal,” Stutzman remarked after his victory.
Beyond Archery: Stutzman’s Diverse Pursuits
While archery remains his primary focus, Stutzman has also made a name for himself in drag racing.
His wife Jessica recently joined him in the Whoopee Days Parade in Brighton, Iowa, where Stutzman showcased his modified race car.
“I was able to adapt and figure it out,” Stutzman said about learning to drive without arms.
This adaptability extends to his family life as well, where he takes on the challenges of raising five boys with the same determination he brings to his athletic pursuits.
As Stutzman acquired paralympic gold in Paris, he remains grateful for his wife Jessica and their sons’ support.
The Olympian journey from a small town in Iowa to the world stage inspires many, proving that anything is possible with determination and family support.
