Elder G: The word “archery” originates from the Latin word “arcus,” which means “bow.” The practice of archery has been around for thousands of years, with early evidence of its use in hunting and warfare found in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. The term “archery” was adopted into English through Old French “archerie,” referring to the skill of shooting with a bow and arrow. Over time, archery has evolved from a vital survival skill to a competitive sport and recreational activity.
Elder G
The English words “arc” and “arcade” also come from this word.
WLBOTT: Is there a world’s record for the longest flight of an arrow?
Elder G: Yes, there is a world record for the longest flight of an arrow. The record for the longest distance an arrow has been shot and accurately measured is held by Matt Stutzman, an American archer. He set the record on December 9, 2015, in Yuma, Arizona, with a distance of 310 yards (283.47 meters).
The Amazing Story of Matt Stutzman
Matthew Stutzman (born December 10, 1982) is an American archer. He competed at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics and won a silver medal in 2012. Born without arms, Stutzman uses his legs and feet for most of his activities, including archery. He holds a world record for the longest accurate shot in the sport.
TOKYO (AP) — Matt Stutzman has no arms. He was born that way. But he has — pardon the pun — a disarming sense of humor.
The American is known as the “Armless Archer,” a silver medalist from the 2012 Paralympics who will be among the favorites for gold at this year’s Tokyo Paralympics.
Asked in a visit to Tokyo what sport he would pursue if he weren’t an archer, Stutzman replied: “I want to be a champion arm wrestler.”
This from a guy who has no arms, but only small stumps protruding from his shoulders.
“I want people to know that I’m just a normal guy, and I like to laugh. And I like to make people laugh,” Stutzman said in an interview with The Associated Press.
His house where he’s raising three sons as a single father has no modifications, which is the way his father and mother — Leon and Jean Stutzman — raised him when they adopted him at 13 months.
He has beaten all comers — archers with disabilities and the rest — and holds a record for the longest, most accurate shot by an archer — 310 yards. He has also hit targets at 500 yards, and even 800 yards — though these are not officials records.
“My main focus is people who don’t have a physical disability, and kids,” he said. “People who think they have it rough and you look at them and they are completely fine. That gets under my skin because I have an excuse to sit at home and do nothing. But you are perfectly fine and you are sitting on the couch complaining. That’s dumb.”
It is hard not to be impressed by archery – shooting a target 70 meters (about 77 yards) away, and hitting the gold, which is about the size of a CD. But then there is the USA’s Matt Stutzman, known around the world as the ever-inspirational “Armless Archer” who shoots using his feet.
If that is not enough, Stutzman also decided to attempt the world record for farthest accurate shot with a compound bow at 230 yards before heading into the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and succeeded. He then went into the Games and won silver, earning himself a worldwide fan base.
On Thursday (10 December), the day before Stutzman’s 33rd birthday, Stutzman upped his game and gave fans even more to cheer for, shattering his own world record with an even farther shot, at 310 yards, almost six times the distance Stutzman shoots from in Paralympic events (50m, approximately 55 yards).
“WHAT A DAY! 310 yards the new Guinness world record for the longest accurate archery shot. I want to say thanks for all the support from my family, friends, coaches, agents and sponsors I could not have done it without all their support.”
Matt has a GoFundMe page to help him and his family get to the 2024 Paralympics.
We want to make this experience happen by bringing Matt’s family along to witness and share the memories.
To achieve this, we are aiming to raise $35,000 to make this dream come true. This will cover the costs of the plane tickets, accommodations, and other travel expenses allowing Matt’s family to share in this unforgettable moment at the Paralympic Games in Paris.
