Team USA's Brock Nelson Continues Family's Olympic Gold Medal Legacy

Nelson's grandfather and uncle both won gold medals for the U.S. hockey team in 1960 and 1980 respectively.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Brock Nelson, a center for the Colorado Avalanche, is representing Team USA in the 2026 Olympics. His grandfather, Bill Christian, won gold with the U.S. hockey team in 1960, and his uncle, Dave Christian, was part of the "Miracle on Ice" team that won gold in 1980. Now Nelson is hoping to add his name to the family's Olympic gold medal legacy.

Why it matters

The Nelson family's multi-generational success in Olympic hockey is a rare and inspiring story, showcasing the power of sports to bring families together and create lasting legacies. Brock Nelson's participation continues his family's proud tradition of representing the United States on the world's biggest athletic stage.

The details

Brock Nelson is wearing jersey number 29, which is the sum of his grandfather's number 6 and his uncle's number 23 from their respective Olympic gold medal-winning teams. Nelson has already scored a goal for Team USA in the opening game against Latvia, demonstrating his skill and determination to follow in his family's footsteps.

  • Brock Nelson's grandfather, Bill Christian, won gold with the U.S. hockey team in 1960.
  • Brock Nelson's uncle, Dave Christian, was part of the "Miracle on Ice" team that won gold in 1980.
  • Brock Nelson is representing Team USA in the 2026 Olympics.

The players

Brock Nelson

A center for the Colorado Avalanche who is representing Team USA in the 2026 Olympics, continuing his family's legacy of Olympic gold medal-winning hockey players.

Bill Christian

Brock Nelson's grandfather, who won a gold medal with the U.S. hockey team in 1960.

Dave Christian

Brock Nelson's uncle, who was part of the "Miracle on Ice" team that won gold for the U.S. in 1980.

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What they’re saying

“What a story. What a family. Warroad.”

— Frankie Borrelli (Twitter)

What’s next

Brock Nelson and Team USA will continue their quest for gold as the 2026 Olympics progress.

The takeaway

The Nelson family's multi-generational success in Olympic hockey is a testament to the power of sports to bring families together and create lasting legacies. Brock Nelson's participation in the 2026 Olympics continues this proud tradition, inspiring others to pursue their athletic dreams and represent their country on the world stage.