Olympian Adam Nelson Joins U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Board of Directors

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today announced that Olympian Adam Nelson joined its board of directors – bringing expertise as an elite athlete and a strong focus on clean sport, athlete wellness and organizational performance.

“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.”

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. 

“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.”

Nelson will serve out a term ending in 2026 and will be eligible for a four-year extension.

"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  has now filled its remaining open seat. The board 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. 

Sarah Hirshland, USOPC CEO, serves as a non-voting member of the board.

Per USOPC policy, each member is subject to a strict background check and screened for any conflicts of interest that could potentially interfere with acting in the best interest of Team USA athletes, the organization and its stakeholders.

The USOPC board will hold its first meeting of 2025 on April 16 in Colorado Springs.

Adam Nelson Bio:

Adam Nelson is a retired American track and field athlete, renowned for his achievements in the shot put. 

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Nelson became one of the sport's most respected competitors over the course of his record-setting career. 

Nelson is a three-time Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008) who earned silver medals in the men's shot put event at the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 and Olympic Games Athens 2004. Nine years later, in August 2013, he was officially awarded the gold medal for Athens 2004 after the original winner was disqualified for doping, further solidifying Nelson’s status as a voice for clean sport and athlete advocacy.               

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). He was also the NCAA champion while competing for Dartmouth University. 

Beyond his athletic achievements, Adam Nelson is recognized as an advocate for fair competition and for his efforts to inspire and train future athletes. Off the field, he has spent over a decade in executive and strategic leadership roles in the broader sports and education sectors, most recently serving as the Athletic Director at his alma mater, The Lovett School (Atlanta) from 2020-2024. He is now bringing that experience to the private sector in a role focused on operations and strategy with Hoffman Building Technologies.

Nelson holds a BA in government from Dartmouth College and MBA from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business. 

He currently resides in Atlanta with his wife, Laci, and two children, Caroline and Lauren.

Team USA Board of Directors

Gene Sykes – Chair, IOC Member ex officio

*Anita L. DeFrantz – IOC Member ex officio

*Allyson Felix – IOC Member ex officio

David Haggerty – IOC Member ex officio

*Muffy Davis – IPC Member ex officio

Rich Bender – NGB Council-Elected Director (Term: 2023-2026)

Dexter Paine – NGB Council-Elected Director (Term: 2025-2028)

Virginia Sung – NGB Council-Elected Director (Term: 2023-2026)

*Donna de Varona – At-Large Athlete-Elected Director (Term: 2025-2028)

*Elana Meyers Taylor – Team USA Athletes’ Commission-Elected Director (Term: 2023-2026)

*Daria Schneider – Team USA Athletes’ Commission-Elected Director (Term: 2025-2028)

*Brad Snyder – Team USA Athletes’ Commission-Elected Director (Term: 2023-2026)

Beth Brooke – Independent Director (Term: 2023-2026)

Dr. Mung Chiang – Independent Director (Term: 2025-2028)

Lawrence "Bubba" Cunningham – Independent Director (Term: 2023-2026)

James Higa – Independent Director (Term: 2025-2028)

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy – Independent Director (Term: 2025-2028)

*Adam Nelson - At-Large Athlete-Elected Director (Term: 2023-2026 – remaining)

Sarah Hirshland – USOPC CEO ex officio, Non-Voting

*Team USA Athletes