Paralympic Gold Medalist Matt Stutzman Eyes Olympic History

Matt Stutzman won Paralympic gold in Paris last year, set a record, and retired at the top of his game. Then he learned compound archery would debut at the LA28 Olympics and realized his story wasn't finished.

Born without arms, Stutzman has spent his career proving that different doesn't mean less. He uses his feet to shoot a compound bow with precision that has made him a world champion and global inspiration.

His Paris 2024 performance was nearly flawless: 149 out of 150 points in the final. That victory earned him the first-ever title of World Archery's overall Archer of the Year for a Para athlete, competing against all archers worldwide.

Now he's chasing something even bigger. If Stutzman qualifies for and wins at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, he'll be the first Paralympic gold medalist to also capture Olympic gold in archery.

"When compound archery was added to the Olympic program for Los Angeles, I realized my story might not be finished," Stutzman said. "I have the opportunity to attempt something that has never been done before, and I have to take that shot."

The path won't be easy. Only 12 compound mixed teams will compete at LA28, making qualification exceptionally selective. Stutzman must secure the men's spot on the U.S. team through the USA Archery Olympic Trials, competing against the nation's best compound archers.

His Paralympic journey began with silver at London 2012, followed by competitions in Rio and Tokyo. Each performance built toward his Paris triumph, proving his innovative technique works at the highest levels.

Why This Inspires

Stutzman's return isn't just about adding another medal to his collection. It's about changing how the world thinks about ability and limits.

"I want young athletes with disabilities to see that they don't have to accept someone else's definition of their limits," he said. "I also want to prove that when I step onto the range, I'm not just a great Para archer. I'm one of the best archers in the world."

The Olympic archery competition will take place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with compound mixed-team qualification scheduled for July 19, 2028. Medal rounds follow two days later on July 21.

Stutzman knows the odds. Nothing is guaranteed: not qualification, not team selection, and certainly not a medal. That's exactly what makes it worth trying.

His message resonates beyond archery: the greatest achievements often come after the moments when others think your career is over. Paris proved he could reach the pinnacle of Paralympic sport; now he's aiming to show that Paralympic champions can compete at Olympic levels too.

"This journey is about creating a moment that can change how the world looks at ability," Stutzman said. One athlete with a bow, his feet, and an unshakable belief that limits are meant to be challenged.