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Oksana MastersAmerican athlete involved in rowing, skiing and biathlon
Date of Birth: 19.07.1989
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Challenges
- Physical Obstacles and Amputations
- Pioneering in Rowing
- Paralympic Successes in Rowing
- Transition to Winter Sports
- Continued Paralympic Successes
- Advocacy and Inspiration
Early Life and Challenges
Oksana Masters was born with congenital malformations caused by radiation exposure. She was abandoned by her parents and spent her early years in an orphanage, where she was repeatedly abused. At age 7, she was adopted by Gayle Masters, a single speech pathologist, who became her only parent.
Physical Obstacles and Amputations
Soon after her adoption, Masters' first leg was amputated below the knee. At age 13, she lost her second leg due to another amputation above the knee. Despite these physical challenges, Masters remained determined to engage in sports.
Pioneering in Rowing
After moving to Louisville, Kentucky, Masters began rowing. In 2010, she set a world record in the CRASH-B Sprints rowing competition for legless athletes. In 2011, she qualified for the US team for the Para Rowing World Championships.
Paralympic Successes in Rowing
Masters competed with rowing partner Rob Jones, a former Army Ranger who had lost both legs in Afghanistan. Together, they won a bronze medal at the 2012 Paralympic Games. They also earned a bronze medal at the 2013 Para Rowing World Cup.
Transition to Winter Sports
In 2014, Masters transitioned to winter sports, competing in biathlon and cross-country skiing at the Paralympic Games. She won silver and bronze medals in skiing, and placed fourth in biathlon and sprint skiing.
Continued Paralympic Successes
At the 2018 Paralympic Games, Masters again excelled in both biathlon and cross-country skiing. She earned silver in the biathlon and bronze in the 12-kilometer cross-country race.
Advocacy and Inspiration
Masters has been an advocate for athletes with disabilities and victims of abuse. Her story has been featured in numerous publications, including ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue" in 2012.
