Most Decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian Makes Up Huge Deficit to Win Gold

The Oksana Masters’ 11th gold medal at the Paralympic Games was “redemption” for the most decorated American Winter Paralympian.

And it was clear how much it meant to her.

Masters shouted loudly with joy several times after winning the women’s sprint sitting discipline in Para cross-country skiing on Tuesday at Milan Cortina.

Four years ago she finished second in the event.

“It was such a relief and relief from Beijing. It was the one that got away. I love sprints and I hate sprints because there is so much stress,” Masters said.

“I have a hard time believing in myself and that was a big thing. The team believed in me, so I wanted to stand up for my team.”

Masters was 40 meters (131 feet) behind leader Yunji Kim at the start of the final slope, but accelerated the climb to overtake her rival as they reached the top.

“I hate chasing. I would rather be chased, but I do realize that I’m good at chasing and reeling in people one at a time, staying smooth and relaxed,” Masters added.

It was a second gold medal at Milan Cortina for Masters, which won the women’s sprint sitting discipline in the parabiathlon on Saturday. The 36-year-old was coming off a difficult season that included surgery, a bone infection and a concussion.

“I feel absolutely on top of the world right now, just in complete shock, and so, so happy,” she added.

Masters now has seven gold medals at the Winter Paralympics, in addition to her four victories at the Summer Paralympics. Since 2012, she has competed in every Paralympic Games, winning medals in Para-cross-country and Para-biathlon in winter, and Para-cycling and Para-rowing in summer.

Her total medal haul stands at 21 – 16 at the Winter Games and five at 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 in Ukraine at a young age before being adopted by an American mother. She had her left leg amputated at the age of 9 and her right leg at the age of 14.