Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Oksana Masters Claims 10th Gold Amid Health Struggles

3/8/2026

44 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Oksana Masters won gold in the women's 7.5km sitting sprint biathlon at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Paralympic Games, marking the 20th Paralympic medal of her career and her 10th gold.
Kendall Gretsch earned silver in the same event.
Masters faced health challenges before the Games, including surgery and a concussion.
Her journey from a difficult childhood in Ukraine informs her advocacy for adaptive sports and her aim to inspire future athletes.

History

Historical Context

The 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games marked a significant milestone, being the first to occur directly after the Olympics and utilizing the same venues. This event followed the inaugural Paralympics in Rome in 1960, which featured 400 athletes. Since then, the movement has grown, with over 4,400 athletes participating today, highlighting the ongoing push for inclusivity and support for athletes with disabilities.

1 of 2

Story summary

Oksana Masters won gold in the women's 7.5km sitting sprint biathlon at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Paralympic Games, marking the 20th Paralympic medal of her career and her 10th gold.
Kendall Gretsch earned silver in the same event.
Masters faced health challenges before the Games, including surgery and a concussion.
Her journey from a difficult childhood in Ukraine informs her advocacy for adaptive sports and her aim to inspire future athletes.

1 / 2