Oksana Masters Wins 11th Gold Medal

Oksana Masters, the most decorated American Winter Paralympian, won her 11th gold medal in the women’s sprint sitting discipline of Para cross-country skiing at Milan Cortina on Tuesday. This victory marked redemption for Masters, who finished second in the event four years ago.

The 36-year-old Masters was trailing by 40 meters (131 feet) behind leader Yunji Kim at the start of the final incline but powered up the ascent to overtake her rival as they crested the summit. Her victory came after a difficult season that included surgery, a bone infection, and a concussion.

Masters screamed loudly several times in delight after winning. “It was just such a relief and redemption from Beijing. It was the one that got away,” Masters said. She added, “I struggle with believing in myself and that was a big thing. The team believed in me, so I wanted to show up for my team.”

This is Masters' second gold medal of the games after winning the women’s sprint sitting discipline in Para biathlon on Saturday.

Masters now has seven Winter Paralympic gold medals and four victories at the Summer Paralympics. She has competed in every Paralympics since 2012, earning medals in Para cross-country and Para biathlon in the winter and Para cycling and Para rowing in the summer. Her total medal haul stands at 21 — 16 in the Winter Games and five in the Summer Games.

Masters was born in Ukraine with birth defects believed to be related to the Chernobyl nuclear accident. She had to go through orphanages at an early age before being adopted by an American mother. She had her left leg amputated at age 9, and her right leg amputated at age 14.