Paralympic shooting athlete Madison Champion, age 23 and from Greenville, Texas, was a member of her high school varsity rifle team and competed in her first international competition in 2022. Learn what she keeps in her range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
I first picked up a firearm during my sophomore year of high school when I tried out for the JROTC rifle team. It was a Crosman sporter air rifle.
Tell us how you began in competition shooting?
During my sophomore year, I began shooting competitively. I just wanted to try something new and fell in love with it.
Please share with us some of your major shooting accomplishments.
I won gold and silver medals at the USA Shooting Junior Olympic National Championships in 2019. Since then, I’ve attended multiple national and international competitions, including the 2023 Parapan American Games in Chile.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
For competitions, I shoot a Walther LG300 Alutec air rifle, and I use RWS match pellets.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms.
I use an Olympia Roller duffle bag. I like that it’s my favorite color (purple) and all of the many pockets that it has for storage. It also holds all of my equipment, which is nice. When traveling internationally or out of state, the entire table I shoot on fits in the duffle bag when broken down.
Everything I keep in my bag is taken to competitions, including things that might not be used, but I carry them just in case they’re needed. Most important would be my toolbox with different tools and extra parts, a shooting sweater and jacket, the foam pad I rest my elbows on, a mini toolbox that I take to the line with me, Loop ear plugs, my shooting journal, a shooting spring stand and the “ammo” box where I store extra pellet tins. I also keep extra keys to my rifle case, an AirTag, fingerless lifting gloves, a visor and clamps.
What is your favorite accessory on your firearm?
My favorite accessory isn’t on my firearm, but I do enjoy my silent fidget toy. I take it to the line with me to help with my anxiety. It also helps when my hand starts to cramp up.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy working as a tour guide at the Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, playing Nintendo games, reading books or just hanging out with my friends.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
If you want to discover more about international air rifle shooting, check out the USA Shooting website. There, you can find extensive information about the sport if you’re interested in joining or working with them.
Any tips for new shooters?
Always have fun with it, remember what made you want to start and enjoy the time you get to spend with coaches and teammates.
Follow Madison Champion on Instagram: @madi.champ.
