Oksana Masters has won gold at the Winter Paralympics 2026, marking her 20th career Paralympic medal. This victory highlights her dominance in para sports across summer and winter events. In the women’s para cross-country skiing event at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Torino, Italy (March 6-15), Masters claimed gold in the 12km classic technique race. She finished in 32 minutes 45 seconds, beating silver medalist Kendall Gretsch by 1:12. Her time showcased superior endurance despite challenging snowy conditions and high altitude. This is her fifth Winter Paralympic gold, adding to 8 silvers and 7 bronzes overall.
Born in Ukraine in 1989 with congenital defects from Chernobyl radiation, Masters was adopted and raised in the US. She debuted at the 2012 London Paralympics (rowing bronze), then switched to winter sports post-2014 Sochi. Across five Paralympics, she has medaled in rowing, cycling, biathlon, and skiing—30 total Paralympic medals including non-golds. In Beijing 2022, she won four golds. At 36, Masters eyes Paris 2028 for more.
Masters is the most decorated US Winter Paralympian. Her 20 Paralympic medals surpass records in multi-discipline feats. She inspires with her story of overcoming a leg amputation at 14 and adapting to prosthetics. Torino 2026 features 751 athletes from 52 nations across six sports; Masters’ win boosts US tally to 12 medals. She credits team support and mental resilience.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What event did Oksana Masters win gold in?
She won the women’s 12km para cross-country skiing classic race at Torino 2026, finishing in 32:45 ahead of Kendall Gretsch. This marked her fifth Winter gold.
2. How many Paralympic medals has Masters won?
20 career Paralympic medals: 5 Winter golds, 8 silvers, 7 bronzes across skiing, biathlon, cycling, rowing since 2012 London Games.
3. What challenges has Masters overcome?
Born with defects from Chernobyl, adopted, leg amputated at 14; she adapted prosthetics to excel in multiple Paralympic sports over 14 years.