Women of Team Winchester: Meet Maddy Bernau, Olympic Trap Shooter

From shooting with 4-H to the Tokyo Olympics, she's a woman to watch!

by posted on October 8, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Winchester Olympic Trap

Exciting news from the world of competitive shooting: Team USA Olympic trap shooter Maddy Bernau just joined the legendary clay-games shooters of Team Winchester. This young shooting phenomenon will compete alongside six-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics...but here and now, she and Rhode continue their mission to serve as ambassadors for the Second Amendment and the shooting sports. 

Bernau, like many women who compete at this rarified level, started small. Her initiation into the world of shooting was her local 4-H club, beginning at the age of 12. Like many junior competitive shooters, she was instantly hooked by the focus, discipline and fun of shooting clay games. 

Naturally, you can't get to the Olympic level without a great deal of talent, but nurture matters as much as nature! She soon attended an SCTP development camp at the Olympic training center. From there, the path to the Olympics seemed inevitable.

Maddy began competing in international trap competitions, and quickly rose through the ranks by winning multiple junior and collegiate medals and competing internationally in Italy, Korea and Finland. At the 2020 Spring Selection Match, Bernau took the gold medal and qualified for a spot on the 2020 Olympic team.

“We’re very excited to have Maddy join Team Winchester and serve as an ambassador for our famous AA shotshells and the shooting sports industry,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “With her background of competing in clay target sports at a young age, she will serve as an excellent role model to new shooters.”
 

Latest

Julie Golob Bianchi Cup 2026 Lede
Julie Golob Bianchi Cup 2026 Lede

Springfield Armory Announces Julie Golob's 2026 Bianchi Cup Record-Setting Achievements

Golob used the Echelon 4.0FC 9 mm over the Memorial Day weekend competition, earning top women's honors in multiple divisions and historic placements.

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 29, 2026

An uninvited hotel guest who threatened employees with a knife learned the opposite of hospitality the hard way.

3 Pieces of “Expert” Advice New Gun Owners Can Ignore

With more than 20 years as an NRA Training Counselor, the author is an actual expert firearms instructor. Here's what to watch out for if you are just beginning your journey.

New Guns 2026: CZ 75 Legend Now Shipping

Introduced in early 2026, the pistol is built to honor one of the most influential handgun designs of the modern era.

New Gear 2026: Ruger ReadyDot Micro Reflex Sight System for LCP MAX Pistol

This new reflex sight requires no batteries, allowing the shooter to focus on acquiring and staying on target without worry.

5 Items You Need to Butcher Your Own Venison

Butchering your own deer isn’t really all that complicated, but there are a handful of gear items you absolutely have to have to get it done.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.