[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 53 (Thursday, March 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING U.S. PARALYMPIAN OKSANA MASTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 2022

  Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my 
constituent, Oksana Masters, who is now the most decorated U.S. Winter 
Paralympian of all time.
  Born in Ukraine in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, Ms. Masters 
faced challenges early on in life due to the serious impacts of 
radiation exposure. But, like most things in her life, she overcame 
these obstacles with unyielding courage. Knowing the serious medical 
attention that would be needed, Ms. Masters was placed up for adoption 
and spent the first seven and a half years of her life in orphanages. 
After being adopted, Ms. Masters' family moved to Louisville when she 
was 13 years old, where she excelled in sports and graduated from my 
alma mater, Atherton High School. During her impressive career, Ms. 
Masters has established herself as a world-class athlete who continues 
to inspire young people in Louisville and beyond to pursue their dreams 
in the face of adversity.
  With a gold medal in the cross-country skiing mixed relay at the 2022 
Beijing Paralympics, Ms. Masters now holds 14 Winter Paralympic medals 
in cross country skiing and biathlon, along with three more Summer 
Paralympic medals in cycling and rowing. In addition to her athletic 
accomplishments, Ms. Masters is an outspoken activist on behalf of her 
home country, where she advocates to improve medical services for 
children with disabilities in Ukraine.
  On behalf of the people of Kentucky's Third Congressional District 
and the city of Louisville, I thank Ms. Masters, for her leadership and 
for representing the United States with such distinction. She is an 
incredible role model both on and off the slopes, and I have no doubt 
that she will continue to be a source of pride for her friends and 
family, the people of Louisville and our entire nation.

                          ____________________