Oksana Masters
Oksana Masters (born June 19, 1989) is an American Paralympic rower, cross-country skier, biathlete, and cyclist. She has won multiple medals in various Paralympic Games and is known for her versatility and determination in overcoming physical challenges.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Oksana Masters was born in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. She was born with several radiation-induced birth defects, including tibial hemimelia (missing weight-bearing bones in her legs), missing thumbs, webbed fingers, and six toes on each foot. At the age of seven, she was adopted by an American single mother, Gay Masters, and moved to the United States.
Athletic Career[edit | edit source]
Rowing[edit | edit source]
Masters began her athletic career in rowing. She competed in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, where she won a bronze medal in the trunk and arms mixed double sculls event.
Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon[edit | edit source]
After her success in rowing, Masters transitioned to winter sports. She competed in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, where she participated in cross-country skiing and biathlon. She won a silver medal in the 12 km sitting cross-country skiing event and a bronze medal in the 5 km sitting cross-country skiing event.
Cycling[edit | edit source]
Masters also competes in handcycling. She participated in the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she won two medals: a silver in the road race and a bronze in the time trial.
2018 Winter Paralympics[edit | edit source]
At the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, Masters won five medals: two golds in cross-country skiing, two silvers, and one bronze in biathlon.
2020 Summer Paralympics[edit | edit source]
Masters continued her success at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, where she won two gold medals in handcycling events.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Masters is an advocate for adoption and disability rights. She has shared her story to inspire others and raise awareness about the potential of individuals with disabilities.
Awards and Recognition[edit | edit source]
Masters has received numerous awards for her athletic achievements and her contributions to disability advocacy. She was named one of the "Top 10 Women of the Year" by Sports Illustrated in 2018.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.- 1989 births
- Living people
- American female rowers
- American female cross-country skiers
- American female biathletes
- American female cyclists
- Paralympic rowers of the United States
- Paralympic cross-country skiers of the United States
- Paralympic biathletes of the United States
- Paralympic cyclists of the United States
- Medalists at the 2012 Summer Paralympics
- Medalists at the 2014 Winter Paralympics
- Medalists at the 2016 Summer Paralympics
- Medalists at the 2018 Winter Paralympics
- Medalists at the 2020 Summer Paralympics
- People from Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine
- Ukrainian emigrants to the United States
- American adoptees
- Disability rights activists from the United States
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
