Oksana Masters’ life didn’t begin with the promise of gold medals and international recognition. Born in 1989 in Ukraine, she faced challenges no child should ever have to endure. From the very start, life dealt her an incredibly difficult hand—she was born with severe congenital disabilities caused by radiation exposure from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

She entered the world missing shinbones in both legs, her left leg significantly shorter than her right, and her hands malformed, with six toes on each foot, webbed fingers, and no thumbs. Additionally, she had just one kidney and half a stomach. These medical complications led to her abandonment at birth, leaving her to grow up in a series of orphanages.

Her time in the orphanage system was anything but easy. Neglect, malnutrition, and emotional hardship were daily realities. She had no one to comfort her, no one to advocate for her medical needs, and no real sense of security. But at the age of seven, her life changed forever.

Video: Oksana Masters: The adoption that saved my life

Gay Masters: The Woman Who Changed Everything

On the other side of the world, Gay Masters, a speech pathologist from the U.S., was searching for a child to adopt. Initially, she had planned to adopt an infant, believing that early intervention was crucial for child development. But when she received a black-and-white photograph of Oksana, everything changed.

“There was a sparkle in her eyes,” Gay later recalled. “I knew, even though this child was not who I had set out to find, this was my daughter.”

The adoption process was far from easy. It took nearly two years of endless paperwork, legal hurdles, and emotional ups and downs before Gay could finally bring Oksana home. In the meantime, the orphanage staff used cruel tactics to discipline Oksana, telling her that if she misbehaved, the American woman wouldn’t want her anymore.

But Gay never gave up. She returned to Ukraine, knelt beside Oksana’s bed, and whispered, “I came back for you.” Those words marked the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter filled with love, support, and opportunity.

Adjusting to a New Life in America

Adapting to life in the United States wasn’t easy for Oksana. She didn’t speak English at first, and she had to undergo several reconstructive surgeries to improve the functionality of her hands. One of the biggest challenges came when doctors determined that her left leg had to be amputated when she was nine years old. The right leg followed at age 14.

Despite the hardships, Oksana never let her circumstances define her. Her boundless energy and adventurous spirit made her eager to try new things—whether it was climbing trees, playing outside, or finding new ways to move despite her physical challenges.

That’s when Gay had an idea that would change everything.

The Introduction to Sports: A Turning Point

Understanding that movement was therapy for Oksana, Gay introduced her to sports as a form of healing. She signed her up for a horseback riding lesson, convincing her that it was a requirement for living in Kentucky.

But it wasn’t until Oksana discovered rowing that she truly found her calling.

“I didn’t want to do an adaptive sport,” Oksana admitted. “I wanted to feel like everyone else.”

Video: Oksana Masters 🇺🇸: Mom has been my biggest supporter

At first, she resisted the idea of participating in a sport tailored for individuals with disabilities. But after just one practice on the water, everything changed.

“The minute I got in the water and pushed away from the dock, I felt free. It was the right place at the right time.”

That moment sparked something inside her—a competitive fire that would carry her to the Paralympic Games.

Overcoming Obstacles on the Road to Success

Oksana’s journey was not without its setbacks. After undergoing her second leg amputation, she spent five months in the hospital, unable to move.

“I just kept thinking, the moment I get out of here, I’m never going to stop moving.”

True to her word, the first thing she did after recovering was get back in a boat. But this time, she had a new goal in mind: the Paralympics.

A Champion is Born: Oksana Masters’ Olympic Triumphs

Oksana trained relentlessly, pouring her energy into rowing. Her hard work paid off when she competed in the 2012 London Paralympics, earning a bronze medal in the trunk and arms mixed double sculls event.

But she wasn’t satisfied with just one sport. After achieving success in rowing, she pivoted to cross-country skiing and biathlon, competing in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Paralympics. She left with an impressive medal haul, including two golds in 2018.

Not stopping there, Oksana switched gears once again—this time to para-cycling. She competed in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Paralympics, adding even more gold medals to her growing collection.

By the 2022 Winter Paralympics, she had established herself as one of the most decorated multi-sport Paralympians in history, winning yet another gold medal in biathlon.

Her story is nothing short of extraordinary—a child who once faced malnutrition and neglect in an orphanage had become a world-class athlete, proudly representing the United States on the biggest stage.

A Mother’s Love: The Foundation of Oksana’s Success

Through every triumph, every hardship, and every moment of doubt, there was one constant in Oksana’s life—her mother, Gay Masters.

Video: Oksana Masters: The adoption that saved my life

Gay was more than just a parent; she was her advocate, mentor, and biggest supporter.

“My mom saw something in me when no one else did,” Oksana often says.

Without Gay’s love and unwavering belief, Oksana’s journey could have taken a very different turn. Instead, a woman who had no biological connection to her became the reason she thrived.

Oksana Masters Today: An Icon of Strength and Inspiration

At 35 years old, Oksana Masters has achieved more than most athletes dream of. She’s a multi-time Paralympic gold medalist, a Laureus World Sports Award winner, and an advocate for children with disabilities.

Despite her fame and accomplishments, she remains grounded, always crediting her mother for shaping her into the person she is today.

She also uses her platform to encourage others:

“To any girl or boy who thinks they look different—never let society decide what you see when you look in the mirror. Never let them dictate what’s possible. Go for it.”

Conclusion: A Story of Love, Perseverance, and Triumph

Oksana Masters’ journey from an abandoned orphan in Ukraine to a Paralympic champion is nothing short of miraculous. But at the heart of it all is a mother’s love—one woman’s decision to give an ill, forgotten child a chance at a new life.

Gay Masters didn’t just adopt a daughter—she helped raise a legend.