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, Wis. 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.
