Oksana Masters: Full Interview

Physical Challenges

Oksana Masters faced immense physical challenges, including a severe elbow injury just before the 2018 Paralympic Games. Despite being advised against competing due to the risk of permanent damage, she chose to race, ultimately winning a gold medal. Her determination was fueled by the support of her medical team, who went to great lengths to help her recover.

I was basically almost career ending and games ending for sure. I'm still not over that, actually. I'm still so angry about it because I feel like I was robbed in a way.

--- Oksana Masters

Oksana's resilience and willingness to embrace the unknown, even at the risk of losing the use of her arm, highlights her extraordinary commitment to her sport 1 2 3.

   

Psychological Resilience

Oksana's psychological resilience is as remarkable as her physical endurance. She battled severe depression and anxiety, stemming from traumatic childhood experiences and societal rejection. Therapy, including art therapy, played a crucial role in her healing process, allowing her to express and confront her emotions.

I tried some crazy things. I tried to also, like, cut my hands off, too, because I hated my face.

--- Oksana Masters

Her fear of loss and failure continues to drive her, pushing her to excel despite the emotional toll 4 5 6.

   

Childhood Ordeals

Oksana's childhood was marked by unimaginable ordeals in a Ukrainian orphanage, where she faced abuse and neglect. Her experiences included being locked in rooms and enduring painful medical procedures without anesthesia. Despite these hardships, she found solace in her bond with a fellow orphan, Lainey, who protected her.

She protected me from things that I had no idea until when she was gone, I really knew what she was doing.

--- Oksana Masters

The revelation of her adoption story added another layer to her complex past, as she learned her birth parents were misled about her fate 7 8 9.