Ira Murchison

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Olympic medal record
Men's Athletics
Gold	1956 Melbourne	4x100m relay

Ira James Murchison (February 6, 1933 - March 28, 1994) was an American athlete, winner of the gold medal in 4x100 m relay at the 1956 Summer Olympics.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ira Murchison was noted for his exceptional speed from the starting block, which earned him a nickname Human Sputnik.

Before the Melbourne Olympics, Murchison equalled twice the 100 m world record of 10.2 and ran in Berlin a new world record of 10.1, thus becoming one of the favourites to win the 100 m Olympic gold medal. But at Melbourne, Murchison managed to finish only in a disappointing fourth place. He also ran the leadoff leg of the 4x100 m relay team for the United States, and helped the American team to a gold medal in a world record time of 39.5.

In 1957, Murchison repeated the 100 yd world record of 9.3 and, as a Western Michigan University student, won the 1958 NCAA championships in 100 yd. At the 1963 Pan American Games, Murchison finished third in the 100 m and helped the American 4x100 m relay team to win a gold medal.

Ira Murchison died in Harvey, Illinois, aged 61.

Olympic champions in men's 4×100 m relay
1912 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004
1956 United States Ira Murchison, Leamon King, Thane Baker & Bobby Joe Morrow