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Oksana Masters: Mom's Love Fuels Paralympic Gold
9 Jan
Summary
- Masters is a nine-time gold medalist and 19-time Paralympian.
- Her mother sacrificed retirement funds for Masters' dreams.
- Masters overcame multiple surgeries and infections to compete.
U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters is set to compete in her eighth consecutive Games, a testament to her resilience and her mother Gay's profound support. Masters, who was adopted from a Ukrainian orphanage at age seven, has overcome significant obstacles, including birth defects attributed to the Chernobyl disaster, to become a celebrated athlete.
Her mother's sacrifices, including using retirement funds to support Masters' athletic aspirations, have been instrumental. Masters has achieved remarkable success, becoming the most decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian with 14 medals. She has won nine gold medals across cross-country skiing and biathlon events.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries on her hands and a recent leg infection that threatened further amputation, Masters remains determined. Her mother's constant encouragement, reminding her of her "Ukrainian heart" and resilience, helps her push past doubts and prepare for the upcoming March competition in Tesero.
