Education
Born in Chicago, Illinois, he attended Phillips High School.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, he attended Phillips High School.
Murchison was noted for his exceptional speed from the starting block, which earned him a nickname Human Sputnik. 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.
During the 1970s, Murchison was the coach of a women"s track team in Chicago.
One of the women he coached was 1976 Olympic sprinter, Rosalyn Bryant. Ira Murchison died of cancer in Harvey, Illinois, aged 61.