educated at harrow and the royal military academy, sandhurst, hopton was one of the greatest rifle shots of his day. he represented england 36 times in the elcho long-range match against scotland and ireland, into which wales were later added in 1991, and captained great britain both at home and tour in australia. at the age of 49, he competed in the 1000 yard free rifle event at the 1908 summer olympics, placing 24th. 1000 yard free rifle was not contested at any olympic games after 1908.