Chester Nelsen, Jr.

Chester Nelsen followed in his father’s footsteps. Chester Nelsen, Sr. raced for the United States at the 1928 Olympics in the road race. Chester, Jr.’s son, Donald Nelsen, later rode for the US at the 1972 Olympics, becoming the first three-generation family among American Olympians. Nelsen, Jr. represented the St. Louis Cycling Club, which was led by his father, and rode bikes made by his father at his bike shop. Chester Nelsen served in the US Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate, 2nd Class during World War II, serving from 19 January 1943 until his honorable discharge on 25 October 1945.