Oksana Masters

Growing up in a very poor orphanage in Ukraine, there wasn't much food.

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.

It's extremely important for my sit ski to be perfectly fit to me. If it's too big, and I shift around, the energy and strength I put into propelling myself forward will be lost. The right fit is everything in my sport.

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.

I was supposed to be adopted when I was five, but then my adoption was pushed back by two years.

I never thought I'd be able to go back to Ukraine.

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

I absolutely fell in love with being on the water and the peace and freedom that you get being on the water in a single boat.

They said if I stayed in the orphanage for another month or so, I basically would not have been able to be alive.

I'm a person that, once I start something, I can't just quit it.

That's what I'm focused on, having that perfect race.

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.