Ginny Thrasher Wins First Gold Medal in Rio

by
posted on August 6, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gt1.jpg
Ginny Thrasher, 19, of Springfield, VA, won the first gold medal of the Olympics this year in Rio. Thrasher triumphed over silver medalist Du Li of China in the finals by a full point in the women's 10 meter air rifle event. 

A member of this year's NCAA champion West Virginia University rifle team, Thrasher faced a challenging Olympic field at the Olympic Shooting Center—especially the veteran competitive shooter Du, who was a gold medal winner at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. 

Ginny Thrasher is now the third U.S. shooter to win the women's 10 meter air rifle event at the Olympics, and the first since Nancy Napolski-Johnson won the gold in 2000.

The event was streamed live on the NBC Olympics website. 

Thrasher's USA Shooting teammate Sarah Scherer finished in eighth place.

Watch Ginny Thrasher on the Olympic range again this Thursday, August 11, for the women’s 50 meter rifle 3-P event.

Need help finding your favorite competitive shooters on TV and online this year at the Olympics? Our friends at NRA Family have an article that will help.

Photo credit to WVU Athletics.

Latest

2026 NCAA Wvuwinsno21 1
2026 NCAA Wvuwinsno21 1

West Virginia Rallies Again to Win 21st NCAA Rifle Championship

WVU rallies from fourth place after Day One to win its 21st NCAA rifle title with a championship-record 4748 aggregate, seven points ahead of TCU.

Review: SoundGear Phantom Hearing Protection

SoundGear Phantom custom electronic earplugs deliver hearing aid-grade protection and enhancement for competitive shooters, built by hearing technology leader Starkey.

Lena Miculek Returns to Smith & Wesson

Ten-time world champion Lena Miculek returns to Smith & Wesson’s Ambassador team, continuing a family connection with the brand spanning more than 35 years.

Ole Miss Makes History at NCAA Rifle Championship, Leads After Day One in Columbus

Ole Miss fires a program-record 2356 to win its first-ever NCAA team discipline title in smallbore. Kentucky’s Braden Peiser claims individual smallbore crown.

Review: Henning Group 2011 Grip

Henning Group’s new 2011 metal grip delivers improved recoil control, customizable textures and easy installation for Staccato, Springfield Prodigy and STI-pattern frames.

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge: Kyle Lamb’s Guide to Mounting a Scope for ARC

Kyle Lamb walks through optics mounting with practical advice on leveling, eye relief and preventing scope shift during ARC competition.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.