World record holder Matt Stutzman signs an autograph for Aislyn Sheffield using his feet. Greg McCurtain holds down the shirt for Stutzman who was born without arms.
All his life, Matt Stutzman wanted to be the best in the world at something.
At 32 years old, he has accomplished this with the world's record for longest accurate archery shot at a target of 230 yards.
While setting a Guinness World Record is an amazing accomplishment, it's even more remarkable for Stutzman who was born without hands.
A 2012 Paralympic Silver Medalist, Stutzman was in Green River Saturday to give a presentation to a large crowd of both archers and residents at the Red Barn near FMC Park.
From the moment he arrived, Stutzman wowed the crowd with not only his ability to shoot an arrow with the use of his mouth and feet, but his ability to do everyday tasks without arms.
He arrived shortly after 9:30 a.m. in a red, black, and white Dodge pickup. Those in attendance were mesmerized when he showed them how he was able to drive the truck that has not been modified at all, with nothing but his feet. Stutzman showed how he is able to steer with one foot and uses the other for the gas and brake.
After signing several autographs for a number of younger archers, Stutzman gave a presentation and wowed the audience with his ability to shoot.
Pat Dorigatti said he competes with Stutzman professionally, and that he's not only one of the best Paralympic archers, he is one of the best overall archers in the world.
Dorigatti thought bringing his friend to Green River would be a great idea for the younger archers.
"This guy can shoot," he said.
While at times Stutzman had a serious tone to his presentation, he mostly showed his fun loving nature giving the crowd plenty to laugh about.
Stutzman said that when he was born doctors told his parents that it would cost them millions to teach him how to use his legs to do things. He said this scared them and he was put up for adoption.
Stutzman joked that the other day he finally figured out why he was eventually adopted at 13 months.
He said the other day his son picked up a spider and put it in his mouth. He said he wasn't sure if he should use his feet to get it out of his mouth. He said after his son put the spider in his mouth, his hands were slobbery and he went over to try and grab the outlet. He said his adoptive parents could have put him in the same situation and there was no way he was going to grab any spiders or put any fingers in the outlets.
Stutzman said he was a little disappointed he didn't get the Gold medal a the 2012 games in London, but joked the person who won had arms.
He said he never could have gone that for without the people who have supported him.
In closing, Stutzman told the crowd that if they put their mind to something it can be accomplished.
"I chose archery because its a sport I can be the best in the world and I don't need hands to do it," he said.
Reader Comments(0)