US Paralympians Celebrate Historic Victories and Record-Breaking Performances in Milan
In a stunning display of athleticism and teamwork, the United States Para cross-country skiing team secured a gold medal in the mixed relay at the Milan Cortina Games on Saturday. The victory was marked by emotional celebrations and significant personal milestones for the athletes involved.
Jake Adicoff Makes History with Groundbreaking Achievement
Jake Adicoff, a vision-impaired skier, added to his impressive haul by winning the relay title, following two previous individual gold medals in Milan. This triumph makes him the first out gay American male athlete to claim a Winter Paralympic gold medal, according to Team USA officials. Adicoff had earlier won gold in the sprint classic race on Tuesday and the interval start classic on Wednesday, showcasing his dominance in cross-country skiing.
After the relay, Adicoff was tackled to the ground by teammate Oksana Masters in a joyful celebration. "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 recounted. "She goes crazy, she's got a lot of passion. She takes that to the race course and to the celebrations afterwards."
Adicoff has been known for his unique victory celebrations, including taking bows to fans, families, and friends. "I'm trying to think of something new every time," he said. "You've got to keep it fresh. You got to keep new ones coming. If anyone has any ideas, let me know." He will have another opportunity to celebrate when he competes in the 20-kilometer interval start free race on Sunday, his final event at the Games.
Oksana Masters Extends Her Legendary Paralympic Record
Oksana Masters continued to rewrite the history books by winning her 23rd Paralympic medal, extending her record as the most decorated American Winter Paralympian. This relay gold marks her fourth victory at Milan Cortina, the most of any athlete so far in the competition. "It feels so unreal. Four times just feels like a fake number right now. For it to be gold is just a dream," Masters expressed. "I'm just so lucky because I never even think about these stats at all when I race."
Masters, who also competes in Para rowing and Para cycling during the Summer Games, has now accumulated 18 Winter Paralympic medals and five Summer Paralympic medals since her debut in 2012. Reflecting on her success, she credited the Italian environment, saying, "There's something in Italy and the air and the coffee, the pizza, that is treating me well."
Team USA Dominates with Full Squad Effort
The US quartet, which also included Joshua Sweeney and Sydney Peterson, dominated the Para cross-country mixed relay, showcasing their collective strength and coordination. Masters highlighted the team spirit, noting her excitement for Adicoff's pursuit of a clean sweep in cross-country skiing. "To be able to do my part for him, it just felt so good that he is on his way to achieving his dreams," she said.
Adicoff, who has no vision in his right eye and limited vision in his left due to contracting chicken pox in utero, grew up in Sun Valley, Idaho. He transitioned from Alpine skiing to cross-country as a child, a move that has clearly paid off in his Paralympic career. His journey includes a comeback from retirement after the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, where he won a silver medal, and additional silver medals at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics.
This victory adds to the growing legacy of US Paralympians, with Adicoff believed to be one of five openly gay athletes representing the country at Milan Cortina. His openness about his identity marks a significant step forward in inclusivity within sports.
