"It's not over for me" - The Challenge star Nelson Thomas aims for 2028 Paralympics after amputation

The Challenge star Nelson Thomas has opened up about his recovery journey following the amputation of his right foot earlier this year. Nine months after the surgery, he revealed his goal to compete in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Speaking about his determination, Thomas shared how he is adapting to his new reality and chasing athletic success.

Nelson Thomas had his right foot amputated on March 5, 2024, the one-year anniversary of a near-fatal car accident.

The Challenge star admitted that waking up post-surgery was an emotional moment. In an interview with People, published on December 16, Thomas reflected on his decision:

“And ever since then, I never looked back. I'm chasing a dream. It's not over for me. This is just the beginning.”

Thomas explained that the amputation marked a turning point in his life. Rather than dwelling on the loss, he decided to focus on his future.

He began reaching out to other amputees and Paralympians for support, which led him to the Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF), a nonprofit specializing in athletic rehabilitation for people with disabilities.

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The Challenge star Nelson’s recovery journey and Paralympic goal

Thomas relocated from Austin to Dallas to train full-time with ATF. His rehabilitation included relearning basic movements like crawling, walking, and running while adjusting to his prosthetic limb.

Thomas described the experience as both physically and mentally transformative, saying it prepared him for a new athletic challenge.

He has now set his sights on competing in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Specifically, Thomas aims to participate in the long jump and 200-metre events. Announcing his goals, he said:

“I’ll be doing the long jump and I’ll also be doing the 200.”

While he remains focused on Paralympic training, Thomas acknowledged that the journey is far from over.

He credits his recovery to the strong community at ATF, which pushed him to become a better version of himself. He said:

“I was going there just for the physicality of moving in my prosthetic and being more agile and stronger and making a comeback. But when I walked through those doors, I walked out a whole different man.”

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‘Unfinished business’ with The Challenge

In addition to pursuing his Paralympic dream, Nelson Thomas addressed the ongoing speculation about his return to The Challenge. Fans have expressed their hopes for him to become the first below-the-knee amputee to compete on the show.

While Thomas appreciates their support, he clarified that his current journey is focused on personal growth and athletic goals outside of reality TV.

“A lot of people want me to go back on The Challenge, but I want people to know that I’m not doing this for The Challenge,” he explained.

Despite this, Thomas acknowledged his “unfinished business” with the competition and shared that he would return if given the opportunity. Reflecting on his time on the show, Thomas admitted he once took his physical abilities for granted.

After nine seasons and close finishes, he believes he now has a new perspective.

“Watching season 40, it hurts because I know I should have been there,” he said.

Thomas remains focused on the future but leaves the door open for a comeback.

“If [host TJ Lavin] gives me that phone call, hell yeah, I’m picking up,” he added.

For now, however, his priority remains preparing for the 2028 Paralympics.

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New episodes of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras air every Wednesday at 8 pm ET on MTV.