Oksana Masters and the Challenge of Competing in Both Summer and Winter Paralympics

Oksana Masters, recognized as the most decorated American Winter Paralympian, exemplifies the unique challenges faced by athletes competing in both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. Over the past two decades, approximately 120 athletes have participated in both events, as reported by the International Paralympic Committee. Masters, who has competed in every Paralympics since 2012, has earned a total of 19 medals—14 in Winter events and 5 in Summer events—across disciplines such as Para cross-country skiing, Para biathlon, Para cycling, and Para rowing.

Masters, a double leg amputee, articulates the significant physical and mental demands of transitioning between sports every two years. “Trying to peak both in the summer and winter in one year is the hardest thing to try and perfect,” she stated. The transition requires adapting to different muscle groups and techniques, which can feel like starting anew. Masters emphasizes the importance of resilience, stating, “It is truly rebuilding your body every six months or so,” highlighting the ongoing learning process that keeps her motivated.

The financial burden of competing in both seasons is another significant challenge. Masters noted that custom equipment for her sports can be prohibitively expensive, with 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). She expressed concerns about the financial support available for Paralympic athletes compared to their Olympic counterparts, 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 legacy of successful multi-sport athletes. For instance, Heinz Frei, a Swiss wheelchair racer, has won over 30 medals across both Summer and Winter Paralympics since 1984. Similarly, Candace Cable became the first American woman to win medals in both events in 1992. Other notable athletes include Aaron Pike, Masters' fiancé, who is also competing in his eighth Paralympic Games, and Kendall Gretsch, who has achieved gold in both Summer and Winter events.

Masters has expressed gratitude for her current partnerships that support her journey but acknowledges the ongoing financial difficulties. She remarked on the unique challenges of dual participation, stating, “It is very challenging honestly to financially support my journey to both Summer and Winter Games.”

• “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 truly rebuilding your body every six months or so,” — Oksana Masters, Paralympian

• “Unfortunately, I'm still paying out of my own pocket and funding my own way to compete in both Summer and Winter Games because there still is a little bit of a discrepancy between Paralympic athletes and Olympic athletes, and right now both sports are very expensive,” — Oksana Masters, Paralympian

As Oksana Masters prepares for her eighth Paralympics, her journey reflects the dedication and resilience required of multi-sport athletes. The financial, physical, and mental challenges they face underscore the complexities of competing at the highest levels in both Summer and Winter Paralympic Games.