CHEETAH: The Nelson Vails Story (Full Version)

Nelson Vails' story is a triumph over almost insurmountable odds. Nelson was the youngest of 10 children growing up in the Harlem projects and worked as a New York City bicycle messenger to support his family. Nicknamed "The Cheetah" because he was the fastest cat in the jungle, Nelson rode furiously while working, trained in Central Park after work and raced locally on weekends. He was thrust on to the world stage, represented the USA at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he won the silver medal in the individual 1000-meter Match Sprints, behind countryman Mark Gorski. Becoming a pioneer for the African-American cycling community, this documentary explores the beginnings of his life in Harlem and his impact on the future generation of cyclists worldwide. It follows the triumph of Nelson’s achievements with the sobering reality of what becomes of athletes after retirement. We see Nelson’s resurgence today as an advocate for recreational cycling and as a role model for the African-American community, culminating in a reunion with teammate and opponent Mark Gorski, as they revisit the site of their historical race. In the end, Nelson’s story is simply about a kid whose love for the bicycle led him to transcend racial and economic barriers to becoming a legacy.

[@NickyDeeNM]

Wow. What memories. I used to ride with Nelson Vails on the Gimbels ride when I was a junior in the early 80s. His nickname was T-bar then.

[@thenotoriousN.U.G]

I met Nelson when he came to Sydney, Australia to ride at Camperdown velodrome in 1985. I was a teenager at the time & I was a young kid who loved sprinting & also was a good artist. I got to meet him before the races that day & showed him the drawing I had done of him & he signed it for me. It was a huge moment in my young life.

[@bennettbrookstein6203]

So cool.

[@JuCarlos-ex8ip]

Cool

[@ThomasAnselmi1337]

Just got to ride with Nelson today during a ride in Kingwood, great guy!

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

I'm so grateful to all involved in creating this living historic film. Brings back a sense of pride and accomplishment that truly changed my life. I'll admit to remembering Nelson more than anyone due to the fact that one of our club riders 'Juan' looked just like Nelson, only taller. I was a mechanic at Allston's 'Laughing Ally Bike Shop' on the weekends. There was phenomenal electricity in the air. I was building lots of wheels for the racing team, yet all we talked about was Nelson's speed and 'cool as a cucumber' demeanor. When Mark and Nelson won🥇and🥈, the whole cycling community erupted. We somehow thought it appropriate to take full credit for personally contributing to both wins. All sorts of good things happened ... I graduated Northeastern University that year ... I started bike racing, and rock climbing too. I was 24 then ~ such a long time ago. How has my life been positively affected? Today I still ride my fixed gear track bike all around Cambridge and Boston. I've got both great health and physical condition. To have experienced cycling at its' very best has allowed me the momentum to continue an athletic life into my 60's. Thanks again for rekindling these happiest of memories.

[@PoliticusRex632]

In 1984 I was a 15 year old skinny white kid from Virginia and watched Nelson in L.A. My biggest cycling hero. I loved Lemond. I was more like Andy Hampsten but in my dreams I was Nelson Vails.

[@jonhusby9029]

Mark Gorski and Nelson at the end of the video.. wow what a memory that was at the 84 games!!

[@panioloprep8126]

I had never heard of Nelson until I accidentally found this video. AND I had never heard of the all black ranger company until now. What an incredible story - Both of them

[@thewordartist]

The Cheetah! My hero!!!!!

[@benjaminzachwieja8133]

As a cyclist, a fan and an American; this is what we currently need. Thanks for the presentation.

[@georgegilles9008]

This is new news to me. Knew nothing of Nelson Vails until now. So grateful for this upload.

[@jetblackfox]

My mother and his sister, Earlise, were best friends growing up in the same building on 115th Street. Nelson was several years older than I so we never got to meet but Harlem is proud of its champion.

[@LittleWenLei]

That’s really nice to hear! I’m not sure if you remember Debrah (she’s their sister) but she’s my grandma!! hopefully you’re doing well :)

[@dandawson8128]

I remember the '84 olympics, wow, so good see all these names again. Didn't realize how impressive he was & still is. Takes a real man to admit his shortcomings and why his marriage failed. Seems SO level headed for all his accomplishments. With all the jerks in today's top athletes, he sure seems like a real nice guy, white or black. Thanks so so so much doing this document, One World Media!

[@dhadj6546]

What a great story and journey that Mr Vails has experienced. The church reunion scene was beautiful.

[@keithandrews7696]

Thanks to all who made this inspirational video possible. Thank you to Nelson's brother for his service to our country. It was good to hear how Harlem was and sad to see how it has deteriorated. Best wishes to Nelson ... my he continue to be a positive force for all cyclists and continue to build bridges and join people together.

[@cyberlar]

Truly an inspiration. Heart of gold.

[@tuomasholo]

As a minority and former bike racer, I wasn’t aware of Nelson’s achievement. Thank you for the video.

[@taichihead42]

Why do you call yourself a minority. Do you have guilt complex?

[@brianmessemer2973]

Well this was fantastic. Just stumbled on this - had never heard of Mr. Vails. As a guy from Long Island, its nice to see a New York cyclist make it big. What a cool guy.

[@petermckenzie5124]

I was thirteen at the time Mr Vails won the silver medal. I wasn't aware of the brotha back then (my thing was BMX's). Racer's (as they were known back then) were for SERIOUS people!! A wonderfully made documentary. Love and respect to the Vails family.

[@samsonian]

I wish more inner city kids had the chance to find out what a great lifestyle riding bikes is and the opportunities presented in the sport are. There are so many super-talented kids that focus only on the standard American sports; it would be so good for cycling if at least some of those kids also got involved in the sport.

[@laurenollsin5596]

Good camaraderie too, if people want to ride with other cyclists.

[@roydavidm3]

Nelson Vail is a true legend. He was growing up in a harlem project and worked as a bicycle messenger in New York City. Like all other legends he trained in the iconic central park. He won silver in his Olympic debut. A humble man who did not know how to spend money because he grew in family where he was taught to set up an example for others. He also won a gold medal at the 1983 Pan American Games for a sprint event. Amazing work by One World Media Group to upload such content.Good job. Kudos.

[@KreyNeeUhm]

LOL....they were sooooo half-wheeling at the end of this video. Great story! Congrats Mr Vails.

[@AussieInJapan]

I hadn’t heard of Nelson Vails until I saw Rapha celebrating him with a range of clothing then this popped up on my KZbin suggestions. Great video, amazing story.

[@neilfurby555]

Really great story, a whole bunch of lovely people!

[@bobgoodnoe4583]

What a great guy.

[@RidinOnABigCog]

Nelson Vails. Up there with Ian Steel, Tave Shur and Major Taylor in the great ‘ignored ‘ cycling legends!! Anyone would think that only France and Italy produce great cyclists!!

[@rocbola]

I met Nelson Vails 2 days ago on RAGBRAI. He is the nicest guy and even let me get a selfie with him! I've seen this documentary before and had to come back to watch again. What an amazing cyclist and genuinely nice guy.

[@johnnymossville]

I grew up a world away from Nelson as a poor white kid in rural Appalachia, but when I was starting to race bicycles I followed his career arc closely because I could identify with his humble beginnings. Of course, I was also a fan of Jock Boyer, Grewal, Lemond, Hampsten Hinault, etc,.. but Nelson was the guy!! I got to meet him several days ago for the first time, and he is as nice in person as I imagined he would be. Thanks Nelson for the few minutes we got to chat. I will always remember that.

[@robertmulligan2851]

Nelson was (is) a hero to a lot of people, me included.

[@paulbookbinder4899]

What a fabulous documentary - thank you so much for posting it

[@bicyclexx7]

I remember when Nelson came on the bicycle racing scene . It started with rumors of this kid from Harlem named T Bar the fastest messenger in town turn bike racer.

[@TheGolfdaily]

The man is *ALL MUSCLE!* 🙂

[@michaelzaug8750]

I remember meeting Nelson at the "Tuesday Night Tour de France" outside of Chicago many years ago! We raced several criteriums that night! CLASS ACT 100%

[@ryanriversSES]

This is great

[@3mac67]

One of the true great sportsmen of out decade.

[@silentcyclist]

Amazing story.

[@Antsonhillz]

I ended up here from the podcast “We got to hang out.” Talking about the book Black Champions in Cycling.

[@QABCOM]

Thank You So Much FOR Video!

[@stihldavebergen3469]

Awesome

[@SJCRUISER36]

Great movie about an awesome cyclist!!!

[@baxternauset]

I had to face Nelson Vails the first round of the match sprints at the US Nationals two weeks after the Olympics. It was not a photo finish. LOL!!!

[@brianmessemer2973]

What an honor to race an Olympic medalist.

[@billkattkatt1693]

baxternaust - Yeah, he was pretty speedy that guy. I watched him race at the old Trexlertown velodrome. Don't feel bad.😂 A lot of people watched Nelson disappear on the bell lap😂👍

[@Seezor]

For sure he's one of my cycling heroes. If you raced against him, though must have been at a level beyond most of us. Kudos for you.

[@abccanada6248]

1st round is roughest tho when you qualify 16th and he qualified first

[@straightedgerick]

Man, that’s so awesome!

[@garthgordon9054]

very nicely done

[@johncoronag2868]

Inspirational Movie! Glad i had come across it! Thank You

[@DwayneBSapling]

Awesome video - inspirational. Thanks for posting this.

[@hapuka66jones37]

Great story, well told.

[@PrecisionPowerWash]

Awesome! I had posters of him in my bedroom when I was racing juniors at North brook I’ll.

[@mynameistechno]

He made it.

[@DeeWells]

Great film and it was great leading about Nelson Vails!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾❤️👣🚴🏾‍♂️💨🎊🤲🏾

[@grasworxTTGameplan]

was hoping to see some photos of when Nelson came to Trinidad & Tobago for the Easter Grand Prix in 1984!

[@15buggie]

Really enjoyed the Keirin portion. Great story indeed.

[@mikehenderson54]

Wonderful and inspiring video.

[@bellavia5]

The early 80's. The hay day of American Cycling. Eddie B., Nelson,. Greg LeMond -of course. The Stetina's also.

[@hedleykerr3564]

Yes it was, Alexi Grewal, Davis Phinney,ect.

[@arthurmchugh5184]

Poppa Roy !!!

[@AxelPRC]

Man everyone seemed so down he only got silver. Like shit man, Silver at the Olympics is fucking incredible

[@stasKZ]

god bless Nelson!!

[@savinecycles]

LEGEND!!!

[@tommyreyes7033]

awesome

[@scottbradentx]

10:37 that's my photo. Tour of Texas 1983, White Rock Lake / Dallas.

[@krisbowditch827]

Top man 🥇🥇🥇🥇💣💣👊👊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheRichmondRoadie]

My favorite race was when he beat rival messenger Kevin Bacon in Quicksilver hahaha!!

[@useforstuffer]

zing!

[@laszlozoltan5021]

I have that on dvd did not realize that was him in it....it's been awhile that I watched it

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Bacon was pissed off.

[@earlrogersjr3026]

As I look back I know now why I did not know about him and for a very good reason why. I was running operation at Fort Chaffee Arkansas In charge of training and overseeing all the units that you that will coming there For their summer training. I was in the military on active duty.

[@warplanner8852]

Great pair of cyclists and tremendous gentlemen. I used to see them post Olympics racing at the Olympic Velodrome at CSUDH when they'd race on Saturdays. Those guys turned more of us into track rats than you could imagine. The Olympic velo got torn down but the new indoor one is a palace. Gotta get my old ass up there and get checked out!

[@leduch]

ride fast die last ! merci! njoylife

[@JuCarlos-ex8ip]

His in inspiration

[@earlrogersjr3026]

Thank you very much for sharing this video with us I never knew of him I knew about the major but the major was the only one I have ever heard of that was African-American at the level I hope to see more videos of Nelson and I’m going to post his name on Facebook and ask who know who this guy is.Unless you Into cycling you probably never heard of him. I never saw him on any magazines cover even though he was well know.I can’t imagine how I miss him as much as I read. So again thank you I wish someone would make a movie about him and his life as a cyclist Champion .

[@elianthony7554]

Great to learn this history! I just met Nelson at the Birchwood cafe in Minneapolis a couple of weeks ago watching the Tour de France. Hope to catch him on one of his rides in New York..

[@uncleronny6748]

I was lucky enough to be there that day at the Olympic velodrome...Gorski was like a machine and only half human...the rifle shot explosions of sew-ups pumped beyond capacity (with helium?) in the pits...Russians or no Russians the Olympics didn't define Nelson Vails because there's no medal good enough for this guy.

[@adamcromwell2876]

cycling is not on black peopkes radar, i plan on changing that.

[@HydeMyJekyll]

We should put cycling on everybody's radar!

[@704JOE]

adam cromwell ME 2

[@704JOE]

adam cromwell I'M WITH YOU LOVE CYCLING!!!!!!!!

[@704JOE]

adam cromwell ME 2

[@GVR39]

How are you doing now!

[@KEIRINSTREETS]

❤

[@haveallbeentaken]

Great find! I do remember watching a few of his races. Feel good docu. Thought it was going to be another doping story by the title. Cheetah = cheater 😁

[@laszlozoltan5021]

that is ben johnson's gig ( he invested in some power-drink and called it just that, even did a tv commercial for it)- never tried it myself

[@Nerdsplayingcards]

Nelson should play Major Taylor in a biopic about African American cyclist in the turn of last century

[@MauiReyes-ep7mq]

Was he (Nelson) presented to the documentary " Red light Go?"

[@Matthieu260582]

15:25 -> WTF bike. A total inexpected bike. Cameraman and reporter must ignore what it this otherwise they would have made..... a single movie about that bike as well!!!!!!! But great report I never heard about that guy from Harlem. It's crazy.

[@ydschools9745]

Miss the mssgrs

[@xwind1970]

28:35 Tell this to Lutz Heslich. ;)

[@Merkeuroney]

maybe he knows Nas

[@LittleWenLei]

not to flex or anything but he’s my great uncle

[@abijahaj32]

im from 134 and Lexington

[@straightedgerick]

Get on that bike and make a repeat!

[@ecehentz]

Background music is distracting

[@ydschools9745]

What 10 people did not like??

[@laszlozoltan5021]

weak white supremacists aka trumpturds

[@straightedgerick]

Communists, nazis, dopers and people that hate America.

[@Nobleazure]

Nelson and Mark rematch!!

[@ydschools9745]

2 siblings met 2 different presidents.

[@Seezor]

Anyone ever seen the movie Quicksilver? Here's the opening scene. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpWnhGimjqyfhc0

[@bellavia5]

With a name like Nelson Vails -of course you're going to be a cyclist.

[@laszlozoltan5021]

also the title of iconic SF writer Philp K Dick last novel published before his death: VALIS. Synchronicity is just random, not communication- but sometimes it seems hard to argue otherwise

[@ninjatunes]

That Japanese guy on 3rd place, is that Nakano?

[@arthurmchugh5184]

I beat Nelson!😅😅🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏁🍺

[@djamelforestal2922]

+

[@afteryouknowme4642]

A black American?

[@jetblackfox]

Yep.

[@gregorysmith2314]

He was great on the tracks during his time,,, but on the roads, unh-uh.

[@juanpecan7089]

You could say the opposite for most roadies on the track so your point is pointless.

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

America gets first place for always being racist. It gets talked about like it is "normal."