Archer Matt Stutzman of the U.S. prepares to shoot in the London Paralympics. Born without arms, Stutzman uses a release trigger strapped to his shoulder to fire.

Fairfield archer Matt Stutzman is now a world champion. The famed “Armless Archer” won gold in the Compound Bow Men’s Open competition at the 2022 World Archery Para Championships in Dubai last week. Stutzman, who entered the tournament ranked 16th in the world, faced Russian Aleksandr Gombozhapov in the gold medal match. Gombozhapov, who lost both of his arms in a 2003 accident, was inspired to become an archer after seeing Stutzman compete in videos on YouTube. Stutzman won the match by a 142 to 137 score.

He went undefeated in seven matches during the tournament, beating archers from Russia, Iran, Australia, Italy, Belgium, Kazakhstan and the United States in competition. He represented the United States in the Paralympic Games in London in 2012 and the Parapan American Games in Toronto in 2015, winning a Silver Medal at both events.