Oksana Masters, 33, is the most decorated Winter Paralympian in U.S. history. She’s won 17 Paralympic medals — 14 at the Winter Games in cross-country skiing and biathlon, three at the summer Games in rowing and cycling.
She’s recently added the title of “author” to her extensive resume and her book, “The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph,” details her adoption story as well as the chilling traumas she endured during her time in the orphanage system in Ukraine.
Masters opens up about those experiences and shares her triumphant journey to love, healing, and self-acceptance below. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Some of the content included in this conversation may be difficult for some readers, and reader discretion is advised. OnHerTurf: How does it feel to officially be a published author? Oksana Masters: If only you could see the goosebumps underneath my jacket.