Oksana Masters leads US one‑two finish, securing the first Winter Paralympics medals for America.

Oksana Masters headed a United States one‑two finish in the women’s 7.5 km sitting sprint on Saturday, taking gold and delivering the nation’s first medals of the Milano‑Cortina Winter Paralympics. Masters crossed the finish line in 21:21.3 at Val di Fiemme, about 16 seconds ahead of teammate Kendall Gretsch, who earned silver.

Both Americans hit a flawless 10‑for‑10 on the shooting range, leaving the outcome to be settled on the snow. Masters proved the quicker over the course, pulling away from Gretsch on the final lap to claim the 10th Paralympic gold of her career. Germany’s Anja Wicker captured bronze.

The win marked Masters’ 20th Paralympic medal overall, making her the most decorated winter athlete in U.S. Paralympic history. The 36‑year‑old has previously collected titles in para cross‑country skiing and para‑cycling as well as biathlon.

Masters said sharing the podium with Gretsch added extra significance. “It’s incredible to have one and two for the USA,” she said. “Not just one and two for the USA, but with a friend who is also a strong competitor. She pushes me on the range and we push each other on the course.”

The gold arrived after a challenging buildup for Masters, who disclosed she underwent surgery during the summer and faced health setbacks in recent weeks, including an infection and a concussion that curtailed her training.

According to NBC data, Masters becomes the sixth American to amass 20 or more medals at the Winter and Summer Paralympics, joining Trischa Zorn (55), Jessica Long (31), Tatyana McFadden (22), Sharon Myers (21) and Bart Dodson (20).

Para‑biathlon competition continues Sunday in Val di Fiemme with individual events, as athletes vie for additional medals across sitting, standing and visually impaired classes.

Masters, a double leg amputee, has competed at every Paralympics since 2012, earning medals in para cross‑country and para biathlon in winter and in para cycling and para rowing in summer.

“Trying to peak both in the summer and winter in one year is the hardest thing to try and perfect. In addition to being at a higher risk of overuse injury since there’s no true offseason,” Masters told the Associated Press before Milano‑Cortina. “Mentally it is absolutely challenging and physically, especially in the first few months of transitioning back where I can go from what was a great peak season for me in skiing and when I transitioned to cycling in the summer, it is completely different muscle groups, a completely different engine, a completely different way of propelling my body forward.”

Masters said it’s “hard not to panic as it truly feels like you’re starting a sport for the first time even though you’re coming off a strong season and being fit for something completely different.”

“It is truly rebuilding your body every six months or so,” she added. “That is also probably something that is challenging, but keeps me hungry and constantly learning new things of what I can do.”