Who is Oksana Masters dating? Inside Paralympian Aaron Pike’s support during her 2026 Winter Paralympics gold streak

American Paralympic star Oksana Masters is once again making headlines, but her journey at the 2026 Winter Paralympics almost did not happen. Just a few weeks before the Games began on March 6 in Italy, Masters was dealing with a serious leg infection that forced her into the hospital. At one point, she was unsure whether she would even be able to compete. Yet only days later, she found herself racing again and eventually winning three gold medals.

The 36 year old athlete has now become the most decorated U.S. Paralympian in history. After her latest victories, Masters has reached 12 gold medals and 22 total Paralympic medals in her career. Her achievements came during the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy, where she competed in Para biathlon and cross country skiing events. Speaking to People magazine, Masters explained how close she came to missing the tournament completely.

Oksana Masters reveals health scare before 2026 Winter Paralympics and credits Team USA doctors for helping her compete

Three weeks before the Paralympics began, Masters suddenly faced a health setback. She told People that a leg infection she had experienced the previous season returned and forced her into the hospital for a week.




“I had an infection that came back in my leg that I had had last season, that took me out and put me in the hospital for a week,” Masters said.

The infection appeared just before Masters was preparing to compete in her eighth Paralympic Games. According to the athlete, the situation could have ended her chances of racing.

“There was a point where if I didn’t get the medical help that I needed, if I didn’t get to them a few days before or later, then I wouldn’t have been able to race and wouldn’t be here,” she explained.

During her training camp, Masters regularly traveled nearly an hour to meet with doctors from United States Paralympic Team who were working nearby during the Olympic period in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Their treatment helped stabilize the infection so she could return to competition.

The health struggles did not end there. Masters also suffered a concussion shortly before the Games began, which delayed her training. “The hardest part was getting a concussion and just waiting to be told when I was cleared to train again while the weeks and days were ticking down,” she said.

Despite those obstacles, Masters produced one of the best performances of the tournament. She won gold medals in the women’s Para biathlon sprint sitting on March 7, the women’s Para cross country sprint sitting on March 10, and the 10 kilometer sitting Para cross country race on March 11.

Beyond her own success, Masters said she is also cheering for her fiancé, Aaron Pike, who is also competing in the Games. “When I finished my race, he was warming up, so it was really fun to see him right after and hug him right before his race,” Masters said.

Even with her historic medal count, Masters shared that one moment would mean even more to her. “My ultimate gold medal moment will be when he earns his first Paralympic medal,” she added.




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