Oksana Masters survived a childhood tragedy and tells her heartbreaking story: “She was not meant to survive”

Oksana Master is a name that has made headlines time and time again. And how could it be otherwise? She has stood on the Paralympic podium 17 times for Team USA. Oksana’s story is not one of medals, but of resilience and talent. From her early days in the Ukrainian orphanage to her current goal of winning again at her seventh Paralympics in Paris in 2024, her story is one of a relentless spirit.

But that’s not all; she’s no ordinary Paralympian! Oksana has won in para-rowing, cycling and cross-country skiing. In para-cycling alone, she has dominated the World Championships, winning multiple titles and setting records in her category. Oksana is without a doubt a woman of wonders. But winning in three sports brings its own burdens and expectations.

Oksana’s journey to overcome all adversities

Oksana Masters’s life journey is a model of perseverance. Oksana was born with disabilities caused by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. She spent most of her early years in an orphanage in Ukraine. At the age of eight, her new family adopted her and brought her to the United States. “There are three situations in which I can say that my life was saved,” she shares. “My mother literally saved my life in Ukraine because she was told I would not live past the age of ten.”

But it wasn’t over yet.”She saved it again by introducing me to the world of sport. And sport was really the third thing that saved my life because that’s where I really started to learn the way to love myself and accept myself.” Oksana always wanted to do sports, but her path was not always clear. She often questioned herself.”I had no idea I could be an athlete. I had no idea I could compete in the Paralympics because it was just not in my sights and it was never discussed. And I don’t have my legs. How on earth can I be an athlete?”

When Oksana turned 13, her second leg had to be amputated. Her mother encouraged her to try para-rowing. “I have never felt more at home than on this water. This was my first step towards true healing and self-discovery.” she said. She found her therapy in sports. “I first learned to love it that way, as opposed to winning and setting goals… because I never saw myself that way. I didn’t know that was possible, especially for me.” Fast forward to today. She is a Paralympic champion with seven gold, seven silver and three bronze medals in three sports!

What is brewing in Oksana’s pot for the 2024 Paralympics?

The 2024 Paralympics are just around the corner and Oksana Masters has the chance to make history again in paracycling. She will compete in the H5 handcycling category. The event will take place in France and adds an extra level of excitement to Oksana’s sport.In France (cycling) is such a big sport. It’s a way of life for them and honestly it’s one of the things that really excites me. To compete with my bike in a country that respects and knows cycling and just to feel the streets full and just to be in Paris,” she added.

Despite the ups and downs of Oksana’s journey, she doesn’t like to compare her successes with challenges! As she herself puts it: “Probably the most frustrating thing for me is when people compare me to what I have accomplished and overcome.” But now that the Paralympics are coming up in Paris, Oksana is of course in the spotlight. And she says without hesitation: “The hardest thing on the way to Paris is to meet people’s expectations.” She added: “It’s difficult to live up to expectations, to be at the bottom and to do (even) better than everyone expected. And that’s why all this pressure is being exerted in Paris.”

But Oksana is no stranger to the burden of expectations! She has experienced them before. Just 100 days before Tokyo 2020, she underwent surgery to remove a tumor and undergo a bone transplant. But despite it all, she ended up winning two gold medals in paracycling. Oksana’s preparations for Paris are not just about the race. It’s about proving once again that limits are only as real as we allow them to be!

Oksana continued: “Just live in the here and now, take in each day and notice the things that went well, focus on the things you want to improve, don’t limit yourself and never exclude yourself. You can achieve what you aspire to, what you dream of and what goals you set for yourself. There is no perfect timetable.” And Oksana Masters proves better than anyone else that she does not follow other people’s stories – she writes her own.

Before you go, check out the latest Think Tank episode on EssentiallySports. The coach of Madisen Skinner, a household name in American volleyball, gives a behind-the-scenes look at his star player.