Ira Murchison

Ira James Murchison (February 6, 1933 – March 28, 1994) was an American athlete, winner of 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 two times 100 m world record of 10.2 and ran in Berlin a new world record of 10.1, thus becoming a one of the favourites to the 100 m Olympic gold medal. But at Molbourne, 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 Western Michigan University student, won the 1958 NCAA championships in 100 yd. At the 1963 Pan American Games, Murchison finished third in 100 m and helped the American 4x100 m relay team to win a gold.

Ira Murchison died in Harvey, Illinois, aged 61.