Armless Archer Matt Stutzman has announced his retirement from international competition with a video on his Instagram account.
The 41-year-old won the compound men’s title at Paris 2024 this summer, 12 years after making his Paralympic debut and finishing second at London 2012. However, his impact on the sport goes far beyond podiums – as Stutzman pioneered the technique of shooting a bow with the feet.
His Instagram post included the following message:
“As a look back on the past 14 years of my archery career, I’m happy, sad, blessed, and speechless.”
“The opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met, the years of work it took, the amount of time away from my family, the sacrifices, the amount of arrows I’ve shot, the lows and the highs, the losses and the wins. Influencing the next generation to pursue their dreams while I chase mine.”
“Archery has given me the world, and now it’s time for the next chapter of my life. As I retire from Team USA, cheers to what’s next. Thanks to all the sponsors, family, and friends. I could not have done it without you.”
Stutzman had said prior to his fourth Paralympics in Paris that they would be his last.
Against all odds, he delivered the perfect ending to his iconic career in the French capital. After qualifying just 19th, an unlikely shoot-off win over Jere Forsberg – the very man who beat him in the London 2012 final – in the last 16 sparked a fairytale run.
Matt won another tiebreak in the semifinals, leapt from his shooting chair to celebrate, and then dominated in the final against Ai Xinliang, 149-147.
“I don’t think I could script it any better,” he said in the mixed zone afterwards.
His family joined him on the shooting podium for a group photo after the medal ceremony.
There have been very few archers in history who have chosen to walk away at the top of their game. Stutzman, just has he has trail-blazed a path for archers without arms, has bucked that trend and opted to end his time on the international shooting line as owner of the biggest prize in para sport.
It’s a decision that can only cement the legacy of the legendary Armless Archer.
