Paralympic Trailblazer Jake Adicoff Claims Third Gold While Oksana Masters Sets American Record

Jake Adicoff continued his groundbreaking Paralympic campaign by capturing his third gold medal at Milan Cortina 2026, 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 enthusiastically tackled Adicoff to the ground following their relay triumph.

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 amusement. 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 represents her fourth victory at these Games and establishes her as the most decorated American Winter Paralympian in history. Her medal collection 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 standout performers at Milan 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 unique enjoyment for Adicoff compared to his 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 remarkable journey to Paralympic stardom carries special significance for LGBTQ+ representation in sport. He had not been openly gay when he competed in previous Paralympics, making his current success particularly meaningful for visibility and inclusion.

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

Im trying to think of something new every time, he said regarding 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 path to Paralympic excellence began with childhood challenges. 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 from age five, his parents eventually transitioned him to cross-country skiing for better competitive opportunities.

The relay team, featuring Adicoff, Masters, Joshua Sweeney, and Sydney Peterson, demonstrated exceptional American depth in Paralympic cross-country skiing. Masters expressed particular satisfaction in contributing to Adicoffs quest for a clean sweep in cross-country events.

Im a very passionate, aggressive person, and I was just so excited. I was so happy for Jake, because I know hes chasing that clean sweep in cross-country skiing, she explained. To be able to do my part for him, it just felt so good that he is on his way to achieving his dreams.

Adicoff still has one final opportunity to extend his medal haul at Milan Cortina, as he prepares for Sundays 20-kilometer interval start free race, his concluding event at these Paralympics. The competition represents his chance to complete a perfect cross-country skiing campaign in Italy.