Lanny Bassham

Lanny Bassham served his apprenticeship at the 1972 Olympics when he took the silver medal behind fellow American, John Writer. But at Montreal in 1976 he won his gold medal only after he tied for first place with the United State’s Margaret Murdock. Bassham graciously asked the Union Internationale de Tir that two gold medals be awarded but the rules stated that an examination of the targets was in order and it gave Bassham sole possession of the gold medal. At the awards ceremony, he refused to stand on the top step by himself and had Mrs. Murdock accompany him there while the U.S. flag was raised and our national anthem played in the background. Bassham was not an undeserving champion. He was a world champion in both 1974 and 1978, won three gold medals at the Pan-American Games, won 22 national championships and set over 35 national or world shooting records. Lanny Bassham was later briefly director of shooting for the U.S. Olympic shooting team. He later started his own company teaching courses in mental management for businessman and athletes, notably several professional golfers. As a hobby, he also raises registered quarter horses.