Olympian Adam Nelson Joins USOPC Board of Directors

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee has announced three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Adam Nelson has joined its board of directors.

Nelson will serve a term ending in 2026 and will be eligible for a four-year extension. The final candidates for the at-large athlete seat on the board were chosen through a joint nomination process that included the United States Olympians & Paralympians Association and Team USA Athletes’ Commission. Nelson was ultimately elected to his seat through a vote by the Athletes’ Commission members.

Nelson is a three-time Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008) who earned silver medals in the men’s shot put at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney and the 2004 Games in Athens. In August 2013, he was officially awarded the gold medal for Athens after the original winner was disqualified for doping. In addition to his Olympic success, Nelson was world champion in 2005 and won a total of six U.S. national championship titles (4 outdoor, 2 indoor).

“Representing the United States on the field of play was one of the great privileges of my life, and it’s an honor to be able to continue supporting the athletes of Team USA through this role on the USOPC board,” said Nelson. “While my story is unique, my commitment to being the best at my sport, to competing clean and to supporting my teammates is one that connects all Team USA athletes. I look forward to being a strong voice on the board for current and future generations of athletes.”

“Adam brings a rare combination of elite athletic accomplishment, personal integrity, and deep advocacy for athlete rights to the USOPC board,” said Joel Rosinbum, chair of the Team USA Athletes’ Commission. “His Olympic journey — including the delayed awarding of his gold medal — underscores his lifelong commitment to clean sport and fairness. With his experience as a three-time Olympian, a world champion, and a leader off the field, Adam will be a powerful voice for athletes and a steady hand in shaping the future of Team USA.”

“It’s my honor to welcome Adam to the board,” said USOPC Chair Gene Sykes. “Adam’s experience as an athlete — and a champion at all levels — is critical to our board as we plan and evaluate our direction and actions to the benefit of Team USA. Athlete representatives to the board offer essential insights, and with the addition of Adam to an already wonderfully accomplished group, the athlete voice will be stronger than ever.”

The USOPC Board of Directors includes three representatives each from the Team USA Athletes’ Commission and National Governing Bodies Council, two at-large athlete seats, five independent board members, as well as the American members of the International Olympic Committee Executive Board and International Paralympic Committee Governing Board.