Milano Cortina 2026: Oksana Masters wins 20th Paralympic medal

The first day of Para biathlon competition kicked off with celebrations at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium for USA as Oksana Masters defended her women's sprint sitting title to win her 20th Paralympic medal, at her eighth Games.

After a difficult lead up to the Games, Masters was overjoyed at the outcome.

"Oh my gosh, my emotions are just pure shock. I did not expect this. All I was hoping was just to have a good time in the shooting range. I did not expect a podium finish to be honest, let alone a gold,” she said.

“It was a shocker (that it’s 20 medals) it just feels so surreal. Every single medal is just as important because it has a different journey and path to getting it and achieving it. It means something special, this one.”

Masters, who also competes in Para cross-country skiing and Para cycling, had a surgery in the summer and a recent infection and concussion, impacting her typical training schedule.

“I've been battling a lot of health stuff and not knowing what kind of athlete I would have been to line up on the start line. I did not expect this at all, but I think it’s because of my incredible team.”

Masters is the USA’s most decorated Winter Paralympian of all time, and she is a strong advocate for the Paralympic Movement.

"For me, I have a very strong 'why', where every single stroke for me counts. It's for every Paralympian, every athlete with a disability that was overlooked and was told they were never going to be enough and didn't belong.”

Her compatriot Kendall Gretsch was only 16 seconds behind Masters, clinching the silver medal for a dual USA podium, ahead of Germany’s Anja Wicker.

Gretsch said: “It’s always so exciting to be on a podium with your teammate. Oksana and I have been training together for years now, we spend a lot of time together. Every single race that I’m racing with Oksana I know it makes me a better athlete and pushes me harder.

“We were just saying we need to have a handshake or something.” 

Silver glitter foretells Canada silver

Canada’s Natalie Wilkie was hot on the tail of Ukraine’s Oleksandra Kononova who won the women’s sprint standing. With less than five seconds separating the two, the competition lit up the cross-country stadium.

“I made up quite a bit of time on the last lap, so that gives me confidence that my ski speed is where I wanted to be,” Wilkie explained.

“I'm really, really happy for Kononova winning the gold medal. I can only give my 100 per cent, and today, my 100 per cent was the silver medal, which I'm still really happy with.”

Shining with silver glitter on her cheekbones, Wilkie explained the silver face decoration was not necessarily planned.

“Putting on the glitter is kind of a fun tradition or ritual that I like to do with my teammates every morning. So, it just kind of reminds me to relax, trust the process. I'm here to enjoy the experience as well as race. I didn't plan it, being silver glitter, maybe tomorrow we'll wear gold glitter.”

In the men’s sprint standing China took gold and silver with Jiayun Cai and Xiaobin Liu respectively.

Germany’s Marco Maier followed with bronze. With the sun shining down in Val di Fiemme the 26-year-old athlete made a practical wardrobe choice: to ski in shorts.

"I think we have the Summer Games now (laughs). It's so hot. It's the first time I've worn shorts but I don't like it really. It is a challenge. You need to stay cool." 

Walter to inspire other young athletes

In the women’s sprint vision impaired race, one-to-watch Leonie Maria Walter took a bronze medal for Germany, behind China’s Yue Wang and Carina Edlingerova of Czechia.

At the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, Walter was one of the youngest athletes in Para biathlon at only 18, now with more experience she hopes to pass the experience on.

“I try to give my best for myself, but also to show others (athletes) how I make these things. I hope that I can maybe help other people in (their competitions) like mine,” she said.

"I feel more pressure than four years ago. I was young and nobody knew my name. Unlike in Beijing my family are here, they have all come here and that pushes me forward every day.”

Para biathlon will continue through to 9 March with a total of 18 medal events. Many Para biathletes will also compete in Para cross-country skiing at Milano Cortina 2026.

Where to watch and listen to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

Secure your tickets for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games  

Milano Cortina 2026, which takes place from 6-15 March 2026, is set to be the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet. Ticket prices start at EUR 10 for children under 14, with approximately 89 per cent of the tickets available for EUR 35 or less.

For more information, please visit tickets.milanocortina2026.org