Madison Champion, a GHS senior and potential Olympic contender has had a busy summer. Champion recently returned from Camp Perry, OH where she competed in the annual National Junior Olympic Three Position Air Rifle (3PAR) Championship and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) National Championship. The CMP National Championship is the final event in the CMP 3PAR Championships. Champion earned her position in this elite field based on her performance in the CMP Regional Championships as well as the State 3PAR Junior Olympic match.
For the second year in a row, CMP invited shooters with upper body disabilities, classified as SH2, to participate in this event. From the very beginning, Madison astounded the coaches and spectators. Madison placed first in both positions including day one where she not only blew away the competition but also set a new 3x20 Final National Record of 696.2. She also incredibly set four additional National Records at the event: Overall score of 594 (47 bullseyes), Kneeling score of 198 (16 bullseyes), Standing score of 197 (12 bullseyes) and a Finals score of 102.2.
Prior to this event, Madison traveled to the USAMU (United States Army Marksmanship Unit) located in Fort Benning, Ga., where she competed against shooters from around the world. Madison shot a 612.7 on day one followed by a second day score of 613.4 for a combined score of 1226.1. This score earned her a spot in the final eight. Madison scored a 140.4 and placed seventh at this event attended by some of the most accomplished shooters from countries such as Ukraine, Columbia, Ireland, Canada, and of course the United States. The eventual first place winner was from Ukraine and a two-time Olympic Gold Medal Champion. Third place was a team USA member and the Bronze Medalist from the 2016 Olympic games.
Two days later she was at it again, only this time the position changed from prone to standing. Day one of competition brought out the best in Madison as she shot a personal best 631.5. She was firmly in third place following the first day. Madison followed her day-one performance with a score of 628 for a two-day total of 1259.5 and a fourth place finish headed into the final round of eight. Madison was eliminated a few shots later with a final round total of 121.1. At the conclusion as this round, again the two-time defending Gold Medalist took the top place. Just before the competitors were awarded their medals, the USA Paralympic head coach walked onto the floor and presented Madison with her team USA jacket and announced her as an official member of the USA NATIONAL JUNIOR PARALYMPIC team.
In early August, Madison will travel back to the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, Colo., for one-on-one instruction and training from the USA Paralympic coach. Once Madison receives her classification from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) she will be fully authorized to compete at the Paralympic level.
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments Madison!
