Nelson Vails facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Nelson Vails

Vails in February 2007
Personal information
Born	(1960-10-13) October 13, 1960 (age 64) Harlem, New York
Team information

Nelson Beasley Vails (born October 13, 1960) is a retired American cyclist. He was known for both road cycling and track cycling. He became a professional cyclist in 1988 and raced until 1995.

Nelson Vails made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. He was the first African American to win an Olympic medal in cycling. He earned a silver medal in the sprint event. His teammate, Mark Gorski, won the gold medal in the same race.

Life and Career

From Messenger to Olympian

Before becoming an Olympic star, Nelson Vails worked as a bicycle messenger in New York City. This job helped him develop incredible speed and bike handling skills. People even gave him the nickname "The Cheetah" because of how fast he was!

Vails's life as a bicycle messenger was so well-known that he appeared in the 1986 film Quicksilver. He played a bicycle messenger in the movie, showing off his real-life talents.

Olympic Success

Nelson Vails's biggest achievement came at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He competed in the individual sprint, a fast-paced track cycling event. In the sprint, two riders race against each other over a short distance. It requires both speed and smart tactics. Vails's silver medal was a proud moment for him and for American cycling.

Hall of Fame and Beyond

In 2009, Nelson Vails was honored for his amazing career. He was inducted into the US Bicycle Hall of Fame. This special place recognizes the greatest cyclists in American history.

In 2005, he was also inducted into the Lehigh Valley Velodrome Cycling Hall of Fame. A velodrome is a special track built for bicycle racing.

After his racing career, Vails continued to be involved in cycling. He has worked as a cycling commentator for major TV networks. He also takes part in programs that teach people about bicycle safety.

Major Achievements

Nelson Vails had many important wins and high finishes during his career. Here are some of his top results:

See also

In Spanish: Nelson Vails para niños