Fairfield’s Matt Stutzman wins gold medal in archery

PARIS – Fairfield resident Matt Stutzman has won a gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

Stutzman, who goes by the nickname “The Armless Archer” for becoming an expert archer despite being born with no arms, not only took home the top prize in the Paralympics’ compound bow men’s archery competition, but he did so by breaking the record, scoring a nearly perfect 149 out of 150 points. According to nbcolympics.com, Stutzman defeated China’s Al Xinliang in the final match on Sunday, Sept. 1.

This is Stutzman’s second Paralympic medal, but his first gold. He won the silver medal in archery at the 2012 London games.

Fairfield residents reached out to The Union to announce that they hope to hold a Homecoming parade for Stutzman upon his return to town, though the date, time and details of the route had not been finalized by press time.

Stutzman has become well known in Southeast Iowa for his great attitude and his public speaking engagements where he’s talked about the challenges he’s faced and how he’s overcome them. In addition to his career as a professional archer, Stutzman also drag races, and does his own automotive repairs.

Stutzman was not available for comment by press time, but The Union will publish more information about his record-breaking performance at the Paralympics and any potential celebrations as it becomes available.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com