Born in Burlington, Vermont, Margaret Thompson moved to the Utica area at age 4 1/2 and graduated from Utica Catholic Academy. She first took up cycling in 1984 at age 30 and within 10 years, reaped significant awards.

From 1989 to 1993, she won seven medals, including two gold, in the Empire State Games. In addition, she holds seven medals (four gold) in the United States Cycling Federation District Championships. She has competed as an individual, tandem and as a member of a team in both road racing and mountain biking in local, state, regional and national competition.

She is founder, manager and sponsor of a women's racing team; promoter of "For Ladies Only Classic Road Race" in Rome and organizer of bi-weekly women's training and instructional rides.

Nordic ski racing is another Thompson specialty. She is a member of the New York State Ski Racing Association team, capturing the cross-country master's series title in the 35-39 age division in 1992. She has earned four medals (one gold) in cross-country skiing in the Empire State Games. In 1993, she was silver medalist (35-39 age group) in the New York State Nordic Championships. Since 1973 she has lived in New Hartford.