Sometimes life can be complicated, but it’s not about how our complications define us; it’s about how we conquer them. This man knows exactly what it means to overcome an obstacle.
A Man Born Without Arms
Despite his difference, now 37-year-old Matt Stutzman from Fairfield, Iowa says he never wished he had arms.
He Still Does Everything A Person With Arms Can Do
He can feed himself, swim and jump off a diving board, change a tire, and even drive a car and ride a motorcycle independently.
One of His Best Talents, Though, is Arching
Stutzman started this hobby back in 2010 when he “decided to be the best archer in the world.”
Progress was Made Quickly
He already made the U.S. team in the Paralympic Games within a year, and by 2012, Stutzman went to his very first Games and took home silver.
How Does He Do it?
Stutzman holds the arch with his feet, and with a special strap around his chest, he can pull the bow back and let go when he’s ready.
And He’s Pretty Confident About His Arching Skills
“If I can take a bow that’s not modified for me and I can compete against people that have arms, and beat them at their own sport, well, then, what’s everybody else’s excuse?” he said.
Stutzman Has a Lot Going for Him Now, But Growing Up Was Hard
Due to his missing limbs, he was put up for adoption by his birth parents when he was two months.
He Faced New Challenges as an Adult
He had difficulty finding a job for a while. Not to mention, he’s a single dad with three kids.
Now, He’s Making Money Doing Archery
“I started archery just to provide for my family, right? But now I’ve seen it’s much bigger. When someone with a disability comes up to me saying they saw me do this or that, now they can do that, then it makes me feel good about myself.”
Stutzman is one brave and determined man!
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
