No-Armed Archer Inspires Children and Challenges Prejudices

• Archer with no arms inspires children with his incredible skills.

• Matt Stutzman's success in archery helped him overcome job discrimination.

• Archery gave Stutzman a new purpose and opportunities.

Archer Matt Stutzman of United States holds the bow with his foot during a performance in a Paris school, in Paris, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Visiting France's capital before Paralympic tickets go on s

AP

Picture this: a world-renowned archer, armed with determination and fueled by the sheer audacity of his dreams, astounds a group of wide-eyed children as he expertly shoots arrows with his feet. Meet Matt Stutzman, the extraordinary individual who has defied all odds and continues to inspire with his resilience and unwavering spirit.

You see, Stutzman, who possesses no arms, has embarked on a mission to challenge societal prejudices and redefine what is possible. His journey began when he found himself unemployed, struggling to provide for his family. It was then that he turned to archery, a sport that would unknowingly become his calling card to greatness.

Within weeks, Stutzman honed his shooting skills and ventured into the woods of his Iowa hometown, where he took down a deer. As his children returned home to witness their father triumphantly preparing the meat, they were left in awe. It was in that transformative moment that Stutzman realized the power of archery and the potential it held to change lives.

Buoyed by his newfound passion, Stutzman competed in the 2012 Paralympics in London, where he earned a well-deserved silver medal. Suddenly, doors that were once firmly shut swung open. Job offers poured in, yet Stutzman decided to prioritize his love for the bow and arrow over conventional employment. His sights were set on a larger goal – to inspire and challenge societal perceptions of disability.

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Matt Stutzman's success in archery helped him overcome job discrimination.

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Archer with no arms inspires children with his incredible skills.

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Archery gave Stutzman a new purpose and opportunities.

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Stutzman wants to change perceptions about disability more than winning medals.

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Stutzman's visit to a Paris school leaves a lasting impact on the kids.

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Stutzman shares his life story and demonstrates his abilities to the children.

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Paralympic organizers hope the games will bring about improved accessibility and inclusion.

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France faces criticism for its treatment of people with disabilities.

Now, at 40 years old, Stutzman has come to understand that transforming minds is more valuable than any medal. His focus lies on the upcoming Paris Paralympics, where he hopes to make a lasting impact on society. Whether he stands on the top podium or not, his ultimate triumph lies in changing the world, one person at a time.

Recently, Stutzman visited the Funès-Monceau primary school in Paris, captivating the young audience and delivering a condensed version of his extraordinary life story. Tying shoelaces with his toes, signing autographs with his foot, and creatively using his feet to eat, he effortlessly defied the limits society had imposed upon him. The children watched in utter amazement, embracing the belief that impossibility evaporated when met with determination.

The upcoming Paris Paralympics not only serve as a stage for remarkable displays of athleticism but also as a catalyst for societal change. Organizers hope that the event will pave the way for enhanced accessibility and inclusion, leaving a lasting legacy for people with disabilities in the city. While challenges still exist, the Paris Games represent a pivotal opportunity for France to normalize disability and overcome its shortcomings in this domain.

Amidst the global stage, Stutzman eagerly anticipates competing against archers who, like him, possess no arms. In 2012, he was the sole representative, but now he looks forward to the possibility of facing three others who share his unique talents. As wear and tear pose potential limitations for Stutzman, this could be his final Paralympics. Thus, every arrow released from his feet carries not only his aspirations but also a testament to his unparalleled journey.

Stutzman's impact extends far beyond individual accolades. His influence has inspired archers around the world, including Russian athlete Aleksandr Gombozhapov, who also shoots without arms. Despite the tumultuous backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Gombozhapov's resilience and dedication to his craft embody the triumph of the human spirit.

As Stutzman reflects on the transformative power of archery, he recognizes the parallel between his own life and that of his Russian counterpart. Archery, indeed, has altered their destinies, defying expectations and opening doors for new possibilities. Together, they serve as beacons of hope, encouraging others to embrace their dreams and overcome any obstacles in their path.

So, as we eagerly await the Paris Paralympics, let us marvel at the extraordinary tale of Matt Stutzman. A skilled archer, a loving father, and an indomitable spirit who continues to inspire through his remarkable journey. His legacy goes far beyond the world of archery, reminding us that by challenging our perceptions and embracing our unique strengths, we too can change the world, one arrow at a time.

For more captivating stories and updates on the Paris Olympics, visit: [AP coverage of the Paris Olympics](https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games)