Paralympian Matt Stutzman, originally of Kalona, is headed to the International Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, this August. Stutzman, also known as “The Armless Archer,” competed in London in 2012 and took home the silver medal. This year he’s hoping for gold. The 33-year-old was born without arms, and didn’t take up archery until 2009. Finding it difficult to secure a job, he initially did it for hunting purposes so he could put food on his family’s table. He said it wasn’t as difficult to learn as he thought it would be, but there was no information about how to shoot a bow and arrow with your legs. So he taught himself by emulating traditional archers, and within a few weeks he was fairly proficient.

Stutzman is currently experiencing issues with his right leg, so in preparation for the games he’s mostly been rehabilitating. He’s taken the opportunity to prepare mentally, which he feels he didn’t do enough at London, so he feels it will give him that extra advantage in Rio. He feels the biggest help for him has been the support of his friends and family, without whom he wouldn’t be in the position he’s in. He also encourages other hopeful paralympians, saying, “Never give up, always go after your dreams. Things get difficult, but you can fight through them, and you can overcome anything.” Stutzman leaves for Rio on August 29th, and will be there for 18 days.