Oksana Masters: A Dual-Sport Paralympic Trailblazer

Oksana Masters, the most decorated American Winter Paralympian, exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of multi-sport athletes competing in both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. Since her debut in 2012, Masters has participated in every Paralympics, earning 14 medals in Winter events, including five golds, and five medals in Summer events, four of which are gold. Her journey is marked by her resilience as a double leg amputee, having been born in Ukraine with birth defects linked to the Chernobyl disaster.

Masters competes in diverse sports, including Para cross-country skiing, Para biathlon, Para cycling, and Para rowing. Transitioning between these disciplines every two years presents significant physical and mental challenges. “Trying to peak both in the summer and winter in one year is the hardest thing to try and perfect,” Masters stated, highlighting the risk of overuse injuries and the need to adapt to different muscle groups and techniques.

The financial implications of competing in both seasons are substantial. Masters noted that custom equipment, such as hand cycles costing between €20,000 to €50,000 ($23,600 to $59,000) and sit-skis ranging from €8,000 to €30,000 ($9,400 to $35,400), add to the financial strain. Despite having partners to support her, she still faces challenges funding her journey, stating, “Unfortunately, I'm still paying out of my own pocket and funding my own way to compete in both Summer and Winter Games.”

Masters is part of a select group of athletes who have successfully competed in both Summer and Winter Paralympics. Other notable multi-sport athletes include Heinz Frei from Switzerland, who won over 30 medals since 1984, and Candace Cable, the first American woman to medal in both events. These athletes have paved the way for future competitors, showcasing the potential for success across disciplines.

As Masters prepares for her eighth Paralympic appearance, she will be joined by fellow athletes such as Aaron Pike, a wheelchair racer and biathlete, and Kendall Gretsch, a triathlete and biathlete who has also achieved success in both Summer and Winter events. Gretsch, who won gold in Para triathlon at Tokyo 2020, emphasized the importance of each competition as a stepping stone for future challenges.

• “Trying to peak both in the summer and winter in one year is the hardest thing to try and perfect.” — Oksana Masters, Paralympian

• “It is very challenging honestly to financially support my journey to both Summer and Winter Games because instead of four years to break things up, it is every two years,” — Oksana Masters, Paralympian

• “Every competition is a new challenge, but each one prepares you for the next.” — Kendall Gretsch, Paralympian

Oksana Masters' journey reflects the dedication and perseverance required of athletes competing at the highest levels in both Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, while also shedding light on the financial and physical challenges they face.