Jake Adicoff Extends Historic Paralympic Medal Run as Oksana Masters Sets New American Record

Jake Adicoff continued his remarkable Milano Cortina Paralympics campaign by capturing his third gold medal of the Games, while teammate Oksana Masters made history by earning her record-extending 23rd Paralympic medal as the United States dominated the Para cross-country mixed relay on Saturday.

The celebration at the finish line provided one of the most memorable moments of the Games, as Masters tackled Adicoff to the ground in an exuberant display of joy following their relay victory.

It was initially a hug, and then she kind of put all her weight into it, and then all of a sudden I was on the ground, Adicoff recalled with a smile. She goes crazy, shes got a lot of passion. She takes that to the race course and to the celebrations afterwards.

For the 36-year-old Masters, the gold medal represents her fourth victory at these Games and establishes her as the most decorated American Winter Paralympian in history. Her total medal count now spans 18 Winter Paralympic medals and five Summer Paralympic medals across rowing and cycling competitions.

It feels so unreal. Four times just feels like a fake number right now. For it to be gold is just a dream, Masters reflected. Im just so lucky because I never even think about these stats at all when I race. I did not expect that at this Games at all, but theres something in Italy and the air and the coffee, the pizza, that is treating me well.

Adicoff, who is vision impaired, has emerged as one of the breakout stars of Milano Cortina 2026. His relay gold follows individual victories in the sprint classic race on Tuesday and the interval start classic on Wednesday, making him the first openly gay American male athlete to win Winter Paralympic gold.

The relay format provided a unique thrill for Adicoff, who typically competes in individual events. The relay is really fun because you actually get to watch your teammates, he explained. Thats my favorite part of the day. And getting tackled by Oksana at the finish.

Adicoffs path to Paralympic stardom has been marked by both athletic excellence and personal courage. He had not been openly gay when he competed in previous Paralympics, making his current success particularly meaningful for LGBTQ+ representation in Paralympic sport.

The American has become known for his celebratory bows at the finish line, a tradition that has captured fans attention throughout these Games. Supporters have even been spotted wearing hats bearing Adicoffs name in the stands.

Im trying to think of something new every time, he said of his signature celebrations. Youve got to keep it fresh. You got to keep new ones coming. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.

Adicoffs remarkable journey to Paralympic success began with childhood struggles. Born with no vision in his right eye and limited vision in his left after contracting chicken pox in utero, he grew up in Sun Valley, Idaho, initially pursuing Alpine skiing before transitioning to cross-country at his parents suggestion.

The relay team, which also included Joshua Sweeney and Sydney Peterson, demonstrated the depth of American Paralympic talent in cross-country skiing. Their victory continues a strong tradition for the United States in Paralympic winter sports.

Adicoff still has one more opportunity to add to his medal haul at Milano Cortina, as he prepares to compete in Sundays 20-kilometer interval start free race, his final event at these Paralympics.

For Masters, who has competed in every Paralympic Games since 2012, the Milano Cortina experience has proven particularly special, combining athletic achievement with the unique atmosphere of competing in Italy.