Oksana Masters Claims 20th Paralympic Medal at Milano-Cortina 2026

Oksana Masters has made history by winning her 20th Paralympic medal, achieving this milestone at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games. On March 7, Masters secured victory in the women’s sprint sitting discipline in Para biathlon, outperforming fellow American athlete Kendall Gretsch. This remarkable achievement adds to her impressive collection of medals, solidifying her status as the most decorated American Winter Paralympian.

Reflecting on her unexpected triumph, Masters expressed her disbelief: “Oh my gosh, my emotions are just pure shock. I did not expect this. All I was hoping was just to have a good time in the shooting range.” This victory marks her sixth gold medal at the Winter Paralympics, complementing her four golds from the Summer Games.

Overcoming Adversity

Masters’ path to this achievement has not been easy. The 36-year-old faced significant challenges leading up to the Games, including surgery, a bone infection, and a concussion. Despite these hurdles, she maintained a steadfast focus on her training. “I’m starting to realize that’s who I am. I have to have adversity going into the Games, although I don’t like it,” she stated.

Her resilience is evident in her dedication to the sport, as she emphasized the importance of her team in her success. “I’m the athlete that crosses the finish line, but we have an entire team with our coaches that are cheering with us, and our skis and our wax team,” she noted. This collaborative spirit underscores the team effort behind her individual accomplishments.

A Trailblazer in Paralympic History

With this latest win, Masters has accumulated a total of 15 medals from the Winter Games and five from the Summer Games. Notably, she became the first American to win seven medals across seven events at a single Paralympics during the Beijing 2022 Games.

Born in Ukraine with birth defects attributed to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Masters faced numerous obstacles early in life. After spending time in orphanages, she was adopted by an American father. At ages 9 and 14, she underwent amputations of her left and right legs, respectively. Despite these challenges, she remains driven by a powerful motivation: “For me, I have a very strong ‘why’, where every single stroke for me counts. It’s for every Paralympian, every athlete with a disability that was overlooked and was told they were never going to be enough and didn’t belong.”

Masters’ victory at the Milano-Cortina Games not only highlights her individual talent but also serves as an inspiration for athletes worldwide, demonstrating that determination and resilience can lead to extraordinary achievements.