Oksana
Masters
We travel to Champaign, Illinois, for a look into the life of U.S. Paralympian and Team Toyota athlete Oksana Masters. The 7-time gold medalist reflects on her challenging upbringing, moving to America after her adoption from traumatic Ukrainian orphanages. During our time together, we join her for a bike ride as she prepares for the Paralympic Games, and we also get a sneak peek inside her home gym, where she trains. We cap off the day with a trip to the Humane Society, where she indulges in quality time with puppies and cats, showcasing her love for animals.
Oksana Masters
CLIPS
U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters discusses the sources of her winning mentality. The 17-time medalist did not relate to professional athletes when she was young, but she did find a connection with French fashion designer Coco Chanel, who also grew up an orphan. Masters still strives to live by an inspirational Chanel quote: “To be irreplaceable, one must always be different”.
Paralympian Oksana Masters shows Graham her new custom hand grip she received from her partners at Toyota, and highlighted the significance of having the appropriate equipment for training and competing. She also opens up the difficulties she encounters with her hands and how they contribute to her feeling more disabled compared to her legs. In addition, Oksana showcases her customized Toyota Sienna and explains how the vehicle was specifically designed to meet her needs.
17-time U.S. Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters recalls the moment when her two coaches, Randy Mills and Bobby Hurley, told her that she belonged in the Paralympics. The moment was especially meaningful for Oksana as it was the first time someone other than her mother expressed belief in her abilities. While early-career victories held great meaning for Masters, the actual medals were not important to her.
Despite suffering a crippling elbow injury just two weeks before the 2018 Games, multiple doctors informed Team USA’s Oksana Masters that competing in the games would cause permanent damage to her arm. However, at the Steadman Clinic, Dr. Viola worked with Oksana on two elbow surgeries to make her dreams of attending that year’s games a reality, where she won gold in the sprint. Despite sustaining lasting arm mobility issues, she has no regrets.
Oksana Masters discusses her future plans and mentioned that she will compete in her last games in 2028, when Los Angeles hosts the event. She says she’s hopeful that the 2028 Games will open doors for young American kids who want to participate in sports but may not be aware of the opportunities available to them. Masters also says she’ll continue working to inspire young girls and women to persevere in sports despite the hurdles they face.
Oksana Masters, a 17-time U.S. Paralympic medalist, opens up about her struggles with self-image and identity due to bullying and feeling different from her peers. She shares how therapy helped her find happiness and come to terms with her emotional stressors. Today, she proudly displays her prosthetic legs to inspire children in sports.
Oksana Masters, a 17-time U.S. Paralympic medalist talks about meeting her 2012 Olympic rowing partner Rob Jones. Some people at US Rowing encouraged Masters to do the ESPN Body Issue to help show her sport, and show beauty and strength in different ways. Rob helped her embrace her uniqueness instead of hiding it and it was the start of her journey of self love.
Oksana Masters, a 17-time U.S. Paralympic medalist, visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in 2015. She was born in Ukraine and made the trip on the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her goal was to show servicemen how life could be improved with an artificial limb.
17-time U.S. Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters, a Chernobyl survivor and Ukraine native, tells her story of adoption and her hesitation to meet her birth family.
The seven-time Paralympic gold medalist, Oksana Masters, openly shares her harrowing experiences growing up in multiple Ukrainian orphanages. She endured many days without water or heat, suffered abuse and witnessed her best friend, Lainey, be murdered in front of her eyes. Oksana still feels a deep connection to Lainey and believes she is still a part of her journey, especially when she is competing. The multi-sport athlete also reveals the significance behind several of her tattoos, such as a rose that she got to cover up a wound from a knife stabbing during a confrontation with someone at the orphanage.
17-time U.S. Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters discusses her relationship with her fiancé and fellow Paralympian, Aaron Pike. Following her world championships in cycling, they visited the Grand Tetons, to which Oksana has a close connection. After plans went awry due to the weather, he proposed on a gondola ride. Oksana says she is still learning not to underestimate herself because there are many times when she doesn’t believe in herself. She emphasizes the importance of not counting oneself out, even when faced with self-doubt, advocating for maintaining mental resilience despite the odds.
Multi-medalist Oksana Masters gives us a tour of her Champaign, Illinois home. The tour includes a look at her makeshift gym and cold plunge, her extensive mug collection from all over the globe and Graham joins Oksana in the kitchen as she makes him a coffee using her espresso machine. Oksana also takes us on a trip down memory lane as she guides us through her photo wall, including sharing stories about putting the finishing touches on her award-winning book, “The Hard Parts.”
17-time U.S. Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters discusses going to the Humane Society when she first came to America and adopting her first cat. She picked a mangled, sick, and curled-up cat. Masters says she resonates with the animals yet to be adopted and connects with them deeper; she even Facetimes her fiancé to convince him they need to adopt one.
