Meet Adaptive Athlete: Russell Nelson

Russ grew up in Largo, Florida, playing football and baseball. He also participated in JROTC as a student. Russ enlisted in the Army after high school as a Cavalry Scout, then later served as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic. He deployed three times in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

While serving as truck commander of a recovery vehicle in Iraq, Russ was blinded by an IED. To date, he has gone through 13 eye surgeries, recovering 5% of his vision from total loss of eyesight. He was medically retired after 10 years of service in the Army.

 

Russ plans to continue improving his lifestyle, physical fitness, and health to complete the 10-mile Tough Mudder in August of 2025. He believes his mental health will continue to improve alongside his physical health as he finds a renewed sense of purpose and feels a sense of accomplishment as he achieves his goals.