Margaret Thompson Murdock

Hall of Fame

Date of birth:

8/25/1942

Hometown:

Topeka, Kansas

Olympic Experience:

  • Olympic Silver Medalist (1976, Three-Position Rifle)

Biography:

Thompson first began shooting at 11 years old at the Capital City Rifle & Pistol Club in Topeka, where her father had started a Junior Rifle program. Thompson graduated Hayden High School in Kansas in 1960, then moving into her post-secondary schooling at Kansas State University, where she completed her degree in Chemistry in 1965.

After graduating college, Thompson joined the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in 1965, where she shot until she reached Captain in 1971. While at the AMU, Thompson conducted numerous clinics in the shooting sports, primarily on college campuses around the United States. She was the chief instructor for Schiessportschule I and II, Olympic development rifle schools conducted by the United States Women's International Rifle Organization. She also served as Vice-President of USWIRO for four years.

She then joined the Army Reserves and attended school for nursing at Washburn University. She received her degree and worked for Kansas University Medical Center.

Thompson won the Olympic Spirit award for her sportsmanship in the Olympic Games of 1976.

Competition Highlights:

  • Four-time World Champion (1974 for Prone Rifle, 1970 for 300m Three-Position Rifle, 1970 and 1966 for Three-Position Rifle)
  • World Championship Silver Medalist (1966, Prone Rifle)
  • World Championship Bronze Medalist (1974, Three-Position Rifle)
  • Two-time Pan American Games Gold Medalist (1967, 1975, both for Three-Position Rifle)