Nelson Thomas From 'The Challenge' Shared a Major Update About His Foot

In 2016, Nelson Thomas gained recognition when he made his debut and showcased his competitive spirit and athleticism on The Challenge. However, his journey took a tragic turn in March 2023 when he was involved in a serious car crash, resulting in life-changing injuries. Unfortunately, the accident also resulted in Nelson getting a DUI, which sparked a lot of controversy and prompted him to reflect on his actions.

But what happened to Thomas exactly, and is there a chance he could compete on The Challenge again, despite his injury? Through candid social media updates, Thomas has shared his journey, offering hope and transparency to his fans.

After he was pulled from his burning car amid the accident, Nelson sustained injuries relating to his foot. And after months of having surgeries and screws put in his foot in an effort to repair the damage, Nelson had to have his foot and part of his leg amputated below the knee. And it's something he has been candid about with fans.

“I closed my door, locked myself into a room and just was crying and screaming into my pillow and asking, ‘God, why me? What did I do to deserve this?’” Nelson shared with People in March 2024. “You just start thinking about all the mistakes you've made in life and thinking that God is punishing you. All those demons that you put behind your head and you feel like you buried come alive.”

In a TikTok about the accident, Nelson was smiling and even joking following the surgery. He said, "At least they let me keep my good foot, right?"

About the experience, Nelson said, "I'm home! I'm home, thank God."

He added, "It was a hard three days. The first two days I was in a lot of pain. Walking into that hospital I was very scared. But I had my loved ones with me. I had my mom."

Nelson also said, "Trust me, people, it is weird. I still don't know how I feel...But I'm happy, and that's all that matters."

In May 2024, Nelson shared an even bigger update with fans about his foot. He posted a video on Instagram in which he showed himself putting on a prosthetic leg. In it, Nelson thanked his supporters and reveled in the fact that, with his prosthetic leg, he can now stand and walk again.

Despite the significant setback of losing a limb, Nelson remains steadfast in his pursuit of athletic excellence. He has expressed eagerness to participate in Paralympic events, showcasing his determination to overcome adversity and redefine his capabilities.

In May 2024, Nelson spoke with CBS Austin about the next steps in his athletic and fitness career, and he revealed that some Paralympic coaches reached out to him.

"That's on my agenda," he shared with the outlet. "I thought I could just hop in it this year, [like[ 'let's go.' But no, this is a marathon, it's not a sprint. I don't know which events that I will be doing just yet, but best to believe I will become a Paralympian."

This man is unstoppable!

As Nelson continues his journey of recovery and rehabilitation, we are all excited to see what he will do next! Despite the hurdles he has faced, he remains resilient and determined to overcome adversity.

He is determined to make a "lasting impact that people won't forget," and he is well on his way! And we just know he will make it to the Paralympic Games!