'While the Ukrainian people are fighting for their homes and peace, I want to make every start line and finish line mean something much bigger than a race or a result.' — OksanaMasters WinterParalympics
"Some feelings can't be put into words. I am beyond proud to stand on the podium representing the heart, fight, love, resiliency, and pure joy for two countries," Mastersalong with an image of her gold-medal podium moment — her first Paralympic gold in biathlon. She thanked US Paralympics Nordic Skiing for helping to make that moment possible.
Masters continued,"I not only finally got to hold my dream, but I also am sharing parts of it with my home country of Ukraine especially for the young kids with disabilities." She shared that she'll be donating proceeds from her Paralympic prize money to, a campaign giving disabled children in Ukraine access to medical care. As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $14,000 of its $50,000 goal.
"While the Ukrainian people are fighting for their homes and peace, I want to make every start line and finish line mean something much bigger than a race or a result."writing candidly about the emotional toll of competing during this time."It has been difficult to find my passion and desire to compete at these Games amid the war my home country of Ukraine is enduring. I feel selfish, helpless, and guilty for being here," she said."However, I have always been so proud to be Ukrainian, felt so much pride at the sight of the Ukrainian flag, and now more than ever, I am the proudest to say I am Ukrainian. My mom always said my Ukrainian heart made me resilient; it made me a fighter.
Masters continued that her efforts moving forward are far from just personal."Every pole stroke, I will be racing for the families and kids in Ukraine with disabilities," she wrote."While the Ukrainian people are fighting for their homes and peace, I want to make every start line and finish line mean something much bigger than a race or a result."