Matt Stutzman, the “Armless Archer”; photo courtesy of the US Paralympic Team

Kalona native Matt Stutzman, also known as the Armless Archer, competed yesterday in the Men’s Individual Compound Open at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the round of 16, Stutzman shot against Ricardo Vazquez of Puerto Rico, winning 142-129. In the round of eight, he went against Brazilian Andrey de Castro. While Stutzman shot a respectable 141, he fell to de Castro who shot 142. Heading into the competition, Stutzman made a promise to stay positive regardless of the outcome, saying on Facebook, “No matter what happens, I want to influence someone in a positive way. If I win a medal, that just will be a bonus to the bigger picture. I’m lucky to have this opportunity to do what I do, and thankful of the support.”