Max Nelson

Quick Facts

• Max was diagnosed with a congenital retina disease
• He underwent genetic testing which concluded he had a new retina disease that nobody else had
• It was studied at the Carver Laboratory at the University of Iowa
• Max had retina detachments in both eyes when he was 2
• After over ten surgeries, he was left with limited vision in his right eye
• Max's dad researched different sporting opportunities which he could participate in
  • Max went to multiple visually impaired sport camps and participated in wrestling, ice skating, Tai Kwon Do, running, swimming and even T-ball
• Max started Nordic skiing in the first grade
• At his first race his guide did not show, but that did not stop Max from completing the race
• Last year, Max was 1st in East Metro Conference for Mahtomedi High School
• He competed in three junior races last year and even went down the famous hill titled "elevator shaft" in Hayward, Wisc.
  • His mother couldn't even watch it because of how steep it was
  • It was one of his best races as far as racing time
• His parents are Sharon and Jon Nelson and his siblings are Madison, Kenzie and a twin brother, Jonny
• His hobbies include piano and listening to music
• Max's sporting idol is his dad
• His nickname is Maxy
• His most memorable sporting moment was winning the high school conference race in 2021 against sighted skiers
• His favorite thing about the sport is all the people he has met through it
• In three words, Max would describe himself as kind hearted, determined and humorous

Paralympic Experience

• 1-time Paralympian
  • Paralympic Games Beijing 2022, 9th (4 x 2.5km Relay Open - Open), 13th (12.5km Freestyle - Visually Impaired - Men), 14th (1km Sprint Freestyle - Visually Impaired - Men)