Integrity, Fairness, and Clean- USA Paralympic Gold Medallist Oksana Masters Opens Up on Her Sport’s Biggest Issue

Beijing Paralympics 2022 was like a dream come true for the American Paralympian Oksana Masters. Going into the Paralympics team USA was counting on her heavily for the medal. However, after winning medals in her all seven events she not only made history but also enlisted herself in the list of most decorated Paralympians of all times.

Her journey from Ukraine to the Paralympics is the most inspirational story ever. Oksana has capitalized on every opportunity that she got since she was a little girl. There were people who supported her in every phase of her life. But all that she has accomplished as a para-athlete has been a result of her tireless dedication and hard work.

Oksana Masters opens up on the unfair misclassification at Paralympics

Beijing Paralympics brought great joy to Oksana Masters. Though there’s one thing bothering her constantly. The misclassification of the athletes in the Paralympics.
She said, “Misclassification had a massive, massive impact on athletes, not just including myself and Team USA, but across all different classes [in Beijing]. It has been an issue for a very long time, and it’s not being addressed.”

Thank you @NBCOlympics for giving me a voice and bring a spotlight to an issue that is impacting so many #Paralympic sports. I want the Paralympic movement to live on with integrity, fairness, and clean. https://t.co/q7tHJlx0Kp

— Oksana Masters (@OksanaMasters) April 1, 2022

The champion further wrote on her Twitter handle, “I want the Paralympic movement to live on with integrity, fairness, and clean.” 

IPC reverted on the matter

The 32-year-old Oksana has raised a question that was on the mind of many para-athletes. As per the NBC report, IPC has reverted on the matter and said, “they do not disclose details about athlete classification and “treat all allegations of intentional misrepresentation and other misconduct very seriously.” The organization further added, “Each allegation is looked into and, where merited, appropriate action is taken.”

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Although it’s very tricky to categorize athletes based on impairment. But it would be interesting to see if IPC can come up with some new ideas.