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 Topshotgun Shotshow Lede
2026 Topshotgun Shotshow Lede

Best Of SHOT Show 2026: Top Shotguns

SHOT Show 2026 highlighted the latest shotguns, from over/unders for competition to field-ready semi-automatics with adjustable stocks and enhanced handling features.

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge Stages Put Practical AR Skills on Display at NRA World Shooting Championship

ARC Level One and Two-Gun stages at the 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship highlighted practical AR skills, competitive efficiency and the program’s nationwide training mission.

New: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+

Stoeger’s STR-9 Thinline+ keeps a one-inch profile while adding a ported barrel, optic support and 19+1-round capacity.

Kayle Browning Opens 2026 With Trap Gold in Abu Dhabi

Federal’s sponsored shooter Kayle Browning delivered a flawless final to win women’s trap gold as U.S. shooters posted multiple podium finishes in Abu Dhabi.

Collegiate Rifle: History Made in Lexington

No.1-ranked Kentucky breaks national aggregate record in collegiate rifle as Akron’s Kimball and Siek deliver standout performances in tough battle.

Lyman Launches Sonicore Suppressor Lineup Priced Under $300

Lyman’s new Sonicore suppressor family adapts a long-running European design for U.S. production, offering modular, lightweight cans at low prices.

Interests



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