5'6"
22
Grant, MN
Mahtomedi High School ‘22
Classification: B3
Max Nelson was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disease at age two, a condition that had never been documented before. He underwent more than 10 eye surgeries before his third birthday in an attempt to save vision in one eye. The disease left him completely blind in his left eye with only tunnel vision in his right eye, which remains blurry, and no peripheral vision. Despite these visual limitations, Nelson began skiing at age seven and quickly showed exceptional athletic ability, eventually requiring college skiers to serve as his guides because they were the only ones able to keep pace with him on snow.
As a high school junior at Mahtomedi High School in 2021, Nelson became the first visually impaired Nordic skier to win an individual conference title in Minnesota, defeating sighted competitors. A week after that breakthrough victory, he competed in his first world cup event in Slovenia. In December 2021, he returned to world cup competition in Canmore, Canada, placing 14th in a men's visually impaired cross-country race.
Nelson's strong performances earned him selection to Team USA for the Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 at age 17, making him the youngest member of the U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing team. Nelson competed in multiple events in Beijing, earning his best finish with a ninth place result as a member of the U.S. 4x2.5-kilometer open relay team, skiing the leadoff leg alongside guide Simi Hamilton. He also competed in individual sprint and distance events, gaining valuable experience at the world's highest level of competition.
Following his Paralympic debut, Nelson faced another significant medical challenge. In March 2025, shortly after celebrating his 21st birthday, he began experiencing persistent headaches and lightheadedness that he initially attributed to a sinus infection. A CT scan revealed a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball. Nelson underwent emergency eight-hour brain surgery at Children's Minnesota. The surgery initially left him unable to talk, walk, or use the right side of his body.
Nelson spent two months in intensive rehabilitation therapies followed by 30 sessions of radiation treatment. Through determination and the support of his family, coaches, and medical team, he gradually regained function. He credits his faith and strong support system for helping him persevere through the challenging recovery. By late 2025, Nelson had returned to competitive skiing, competing in world cup events in Canmore, Canada, and Finsterau, Germany, as he worked to regain his competitive form.
Nelson's most memorable sporting moment remains winning that high school conference race against sighted skiers, a breakthrough that validated years of hard work and proved what was possible for his athletic career. He appreciates the people he has met through Nordic skiing and the opportunities the sport has provided. His parents recall his first race when his guide didn't show up, but he still competed with his father running alongside the course in moon boots to ensure he stayed on track. The family's humor and support have been constants throughout Nelson's journey, helping him maintain perspective through both athletic triumphs and medical challenges.
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