Fairfield?s ?Armless Archer? earns silver medal at Paralympics

LONDON ? Matt Stutzman of Fairfield, the only archer in the 2012 London Paralympics without arms, earned a silver medal on Monday in the men's compound open archery finals.

Stutzman advanced to the gold medal round Sunday, winning 6-4 in the semifinals against Guillermo Rodriguez Gonzales of Spain. Jere Forsberg of Finland won 6-4 in the finals, claiming the gold medal.

Stutzman, dubbed the ?Games? most extraordinary competitor? by the London Telegraph, expressed satisfaction with his performance despite his desire to win the gold.

?It was hard to explain, but I felt at peace, I loved that match,? he said in an interview with the Telegraph. ?I felt so good, whatever I did I?d come out of that a champion.?

Stutzman, 29, was born without arms, but was raised to believe he could accomplish anything he put his mind to. He learned to drive a car, shoot a gun and to play the guitar. His father who was an archer, gave him his first bow. It wasn?t until 2010 that he began competing in archery tournaments, and in 2011, he qualified for the United States Paralympic Archery Team.

Stutzman displays great dexterity with his feet, aiming with his right foot and inserting the arrow with his left. He draws the arrow back with a hook on his shoulder and releases using his mouth.

The results of his unprecedented methods have been staggering. He now holds the record for the longest accurate shot.

Stutzman?s success has won him local and national notice, with CNN?s Piers Morgan saluting him as the ?Pride of America? in an Aug. 10 interview.

Stutzman signed autographs for Fairfield fans on Aug. 21 the day before departing to London at Fairfield Hy-Vee Food and Drug Store after demonstrating his archery skills.

?I kinda hope I make everyone realize you can do whatever you want in this life if you just try,? he told the Telegraph.