Team USA celebrated a historic start to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics as Oksana Masters won gold in the women’s 7.5km sitting sprint biathlon, leading an American one-two finish with teammate Kendall Gretsch. The race delivered the first medals of the Games for the United States and added another remarkable milestone to Masters’ already legendary Paralympic career.
Masters crossed the finish line with a time of 21:21.3, finishing 16 seconds ahead of Gretsch, who secured the silver medal. Germany’s Anja Wicker completed the podium by winning the bronze medal. Both American athletes delivered perfect shooting performances on the range, hitting 10 out of 10 targets, which made the race a battle of speed on the snow rather than accuracy.
The victory marked Masters’ 10th Paralympic gold medal and the 20th Paralympic medal of her career, reinforcing her status as one of the most successful athletes in Paralympic history.
Women’s 7.5km Sitting Sprint – Final Results
| Position | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Oksana Masters | United States | 21:21.3 |
| Silver | Kendall Gretsch | United States | +16.0 sec |
| Bronze | Anja Wicker | Germany | — |
The American duo dominated the race from start to finish, with both athletes delivering flawless shooting performances.
Historic Achievement for Oksana Masters
Masters continues to build one of the most impressive careers in Paralympic sport. With this latest victory, she reached another major milestone.
| Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| Paralympic Gold Medals | 10 |
| Total Paralympic Medals | 20 |
| Winter Paralympic Medals | 15 |
| Summer Paralympic Medals | 5 |
She now joins an elite group of American Paralympians who have earned 20 or more Paralympic medals across both Winter and Summer Games.
Also see: Where to Watch 2026 Winter Paralympics Live: TV Channels, Streaming & Schedule Guide
Perfect Shooting Sets Up the Race
The biathlon sprint combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. Accuracy is crucial, as missed targets result in time penalties.
| Athlete | Shooting Accuracy |
|---|---|
| Oksana Masters | 10 / 10 |
| Kendall Gretsch | 10 / 10 |
With both athletes shooting perfectly, the final result was determined by speed and endurance on the course.
A Special Moment for Team USA
Masters described the podium finish with her teammate as a particularly meaningful moment.
| Moment | Importance |
|---|---|
| USA Gold and Silver | Strong start for Team USA |
| Teammate Podium | Shared success with Kendall Gretsch |
| Opening Day Medal | First medals of the Games for USA |
Their performance highlighted the strength of the United States’ Paralympic Nordic skiing program.
Masters’ Remarkable Paralympic Journey
Oksana Masters has competed in multiple Paralympic sports and events since beginning her Paralympic career.
| Paralympic Sport | Participation |
|---|---|
| Para Biathlon | Multiple medals |
| Para Cross-Country Skiing | Gold medal performances |
| Para Cycling | Summer Paralympic medals |
| Para Rowing | Early career events |
Her ability to compete and succeed across multiple sports has made her one of the most versatile Paralympians.
Overcoming Challenges Before the Games
Masters’ preparation for the 2026 Winter Paralympics was not easy. She dealt with several health challenges during the months leading up to the competition.
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Surgery during summer | Limited preparation |
| Recent infection | Interrupted training |
| Concussion | Reduced practice time |
Despite these obstacles, she returned to competition in peak form.
Paralympic Career Timeline
Masters has represented the United States at every Paralympic Games since 2012.
| Year | Event | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | London | Para Rowing |
| 2014 | Sochi | Nordic Para Skiing |
| 2016 | Rio | Para Cycling |
| 2022 | Beijing | Multiple medals |
| 2026 | Milano Cortina | Para Biathlon |
Her longevity and ability to adapt across sports make her career truly unique.
What Makes Oksana Masters’ Story Inspiring
Masters’ life journey is as remarkable as her sporting success.
| Personal Journey | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Ukraine |
| Early Life | Raised in orphanages |
| Adoption | Adopted by American family |
| Medical History | Double leg amputee |
Her achievements have made her an inspirational figure both in sports and beyond.
What Comes Next in the Paralympics
The Para biathlon competition continues with additional events scheduled in the coming days.
| Upcoming Event | Discipline |
|---|---|
| Individual Race | Para Biathlon |
| Standing & Visually Impaired Events | Multiple classifications |
More medals will be awarded as athletes compete across several categories.
Oksana Masters’ victory at the 2026 Winter Paralympics adds another remarkable chapter to her legendary career. Winning gold in the women’s sitting sprint not only delivered Team USA’s first medals of the Games but also marked her 20th Paralympic medal overall.
With several events still to come, Masters has already set the tone for what could become another unforgettable Paralympic performance for one of the most decorated athletes in American sports history.
