The Newman Bond episode talks about three incredible athletes from Kansas. First, Janelle Carson Smith, born in 1947, defied gender norms to become a track star in the 1960s. Despite challenges, she set records and qualified for the Olympics, becoming a hometown hero in Fredonia, Kansas.
Next, Margaret Thompson Murdoch, a shooting champion, started competing at age 11 and went on to win numerous national and international competitions. She even represented the US in the Olympics, displaying sportsmanship during a tie.
Finally, Pete Maringer, born in the 1910s, learned wrestling to defend himself from his older brothers. He became a high school and college champion, and in the 1932 Olympics, he won a gold medal despite tough conditions during the Great Depression.
These athletes showed determination, skill, and resilience, making them icons in Kansas sports history.