Matt Stutzman: Archery
"Archery can be used as a rehabilitation tool, it can make people feel normal again," says American archer Matt Stutzman. "Because of archery, I can support my family and pay the bills. It makes me feel good as a father and a husband."
Stutzman was born without arms and adopted by a family from Kansas at the age of 18 months. He has made his career in the sport of archery, calling himself the "armless archer." He was a member of the U.S. Paralympic Archery Team in 2012, when he won the Silver Medal. He currently holds the world record for longest accurate shot in history, hitting a target from 230 yards away. At a young age, Stutzman learned to do many things with his feet, including feeding himself, writing and riding a bike. Stutzman even holds a driver's license. (He operates a vehicle with his feet.) After feeling left out when he watched his brothers go hunting, Stutzman taught himself to shoot a gun and operate a bow and arrow with his feet. Stutzman's impressive skill and one-of-a-kind technique have made him a fan favorite. He lives with his wife and three sons in Iowa.
Sources:
» Matt Stutzman: The Armless Archer. "Biography." http://chicagosep.com/wordpress/stutzman/?page_id=10
» PBS. "Medal Quest." http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/medal-quest/video/detail/just-two-guys-shooting-perfect-scores/
» White, Jim. "Paralympics 2012: Armless Archer Matt Stutzman Takes Silver After Final with Jere Forsberg." The Telegraph, Sept. 3, 2012. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympic-sport/9518798/Paralympics-2012-armless-archer-Matt-Stutzman-takes-silver-after-final-with-Jere-Forsberg.html
» Team USA. "Matt Stutzman: Archery." http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/ST/Matt-Stutzman