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Oksana Masters: From Adversity to Eleventh Paralympic Gold
Milan Cortina, Italy – American Paralympic athlete Oksana Masters secured her 11th Paralympic gold medal on Tuesday, a victory she described as “redemption” and a profound relief. The most decorated American Winter Paralympian triumphed in the women’s sprint sitting discipline in Para cross-country skiing, letting out several joyous screams after crossing the finish line.
This win held particular significance for Masters, who placed second in the same event four years prior. “It was just such a relief and redemption from Beijing.
It was the one that got away,” Masters stated, acknowledging the immense pressure associated with sprint events. “I struggle with believing in myself, and that was a big thing.
The team believed in me, so I wanted to show up for my team.”
The race saw Masters trailing leader Yunji Kim by 40 meters at the base of the final incline. However, Masters showcased her incredible power, surging up the ascent to overtake her rival just as they reached the summit.
“I hate chasing. I would rather be chased, but I do realize that I do well with chasing and reeling people in, one by one, staying smooth and relaxed,” she explained.
This marks Masters’ second gold medal at the Milan Cortina Paralympics, following her victory in the women’s sprint sitting discipline in Para biathlon on Saturday. The 36-year-old athlete has overcome a challenging season that included surgery, a bone infection, and a concussion. “I feel absolutely on top of the world right now, just in complete shock, and so, so happy,” she added.
Masters’ impressive career now boasts seven Winter Paralympic gold medals, alongside her four Summer Paralympic victories. She has competed in every Paralympics since 2012, earning medals in Para cross-country and Para biathlon in the winter, and Para cycling and Para rowing in the summer. Her total medal count stands at 21, with 16 from the Winter Games and five from the Summer Games.
Masters’ journey is one of remarkable resilience. Born in Ukraine with birth defects believed to be linked to the Chernobyl nuclear accident, she spent her early years in orphanages before being adopted at age seven by Gay Masters, a professor at the University of Louisville. She underwent amputation of her left leg at age nine and her right leg at age 14.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Masters has received significant recognition, including the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award in 2020. She also made history as the first Para athlete to be nominated in the best athlete category for women’s sports at the ESPYs.