Oksana Masters, the most decorated American Winter Paralympian, has achieved a total of 22 medals. She secured her third gold medal in the Para cross-country 10-kilometre interval start sitting race at the Milano-Cortina Games. This win adds to her victories in the cross-country sprint and Para biathlon sprint earlier in the competition. Although she narrowly missed the podium in the Para biathlon individual sitting event, finishing fourth, Masters’ recent success ties her previous record of three gold medals at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games.
Expressing her excitement, Masters remarked on her competitive spirit and the growth of the sport, highlighting the contribution of younger athletes. With eight Winter Paralympic gold medals and four Summer Paralympic wins, Masters has consistently excelled since her debut in 2012, participating in Para cross-country, Para biathlon, Para cycling, and Para rowing events.
In addition to her Winter and Summer Games achievements, Masters has amassed a total of 17 Winter Games medals and five Summer Games medals. Proudly representing Team USA, Masters acknowledged the support of her team in various aspects of her preparation and performance, emphasizing the hard work and determination required to succeed at the highest level.
During the recent podium ceremony, Masters was joined by fellow American Kendall Gretsch, who clinched the bronze medal. Among the Canadian participants, Christina Picton of Fonthill, Ont., finished as the top Canadian in 12th place, with Lyne-Marie Bilodeau from Sherbrooke, Que., following closely behind. Despite facing personal challenges, including surgery, a bone infection, and a concussion, the resilient 36-year-old Masters continues to excel in her athletic endeavors.
Masters’ journey is marked by resilience and perseverance, having overcome early obstacles in her life, including birth defects believed to be linked to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Adopted at a young age by an American mother, Masters underwent amputations of her left leg at age 9 and her right leg at age 14, showcasing her strength and determination in the face of adversity.