Oksana Masters

“I am very lucky to be living my dream.”

“I usually like to keep my hair and makeup routines pretty simple after I work out but always need a little bit of mascara to finish off the look. I just swipe some on and then am good to go for the rest of the day.”

“I think it is very unfortunate that there is a ban on adoptions in Russia.”

“Time trialing is one of those things that you've got to train for... Being a new rider, it's still really hard for me to know what's the most efficient gear for me to be in. The road race is probably more exciting, in my opinion, because it's a lot faster pace, and people are constantly attacking.”

“I definitely went through a period where I don't want to say I hated myself, but I hated what I saw in the mirror. I would try to cover it up, and it wasn't until I started doing sports - until after London 2012 - that I kind of started getting more of that confidence in my body and appreciating my body.”

“I am so proud to be Ukrainian, and I'm also so proud to be an American.”

“The biggest challenge during competition is keeping my real legs warm with clothing, because I have poor circulation in the tissue around the amputated areas.”

“I never in a million years thought I would be able to be a Paralympic athlete.”

“I use Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream in place of foundation post-workout. I absolutely love that it's quick, easy, and something I can use on the go. It evens out my skin tone, provides SPF 15 protection, and leaves my skin feeling breathable, healthy, and moisturized.”

“Sports were a way for me to get comfortable with my body. I learned to appreciate everything I could still do.”

“I'm stubborn; once I start something, I want to see how far I can go.”

“I started doing sports when I was 13 and competitively doing sports - where I was actually training - when I was 17.”

“When I ski, I take both of my legs off and get into a sit ski: a ski with a custom seat that has been molded for me. I use my core and arms to propel myself on snow with help from ski poles.”

“I remember seeing the Olympics when I was 13. I always wanted to know how it felt to stand on top of the podium hearing your country's anthem while watching your flag being raised in something you poured your heart and soul into.”

“Sport has definitely been an outlet for me.”

“When you're using your upper body to live, you get to know how to move every muscle.”

“When I first had my legs amputated, it was hard for me to be positive and feel pretty. Many people don't know that someone with a disability can be strong and beautiful and successful as an athlete.”

“I didn't find out about the Paralympics until I was 18 years old. Once I found out what the Paralympics were, I was so excited to know I had a chance to represent my country and wear Team U.S.A. on my back.”

“It's weird to not know what a family is. Not know what a mother's love is. And not really know what a hug is or anything.”

“My hair is super fine, so I love using Batiste Dry Shampoo to give it volume after I shower and dry my hair. It also gives me extra body and texture for when I choose to wear my hair in a French braid.”