CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – Jake Adicoff, the first openly gay American male athlete to win a gold medal at the Winter Paralympics, added to his impressive medal count this weekend, helping the United States secure gold in the Para cross-country mixed relay. The celebration, however, took an unexpected turn when teammate Oksana Masters “tackled” Adicoff to the ground in a display of exuberant joy.
Adicoff’s journey to Paralympic success is particularly noteworthy, as he competed openly as a gay man for the first time at the Milan Cortina Games. This victory builds on his earlier individual gold medal win in the men’s 10km interval start classic vision impaired final on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, a moment that marked a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Paralympic sport. The 2026 Winter Paralympics have already proven to be a landmark event for Adicoff, solidifying his place as a champion both on and off the slopes.
The relay win on Saturday saw the U.S. Team – comprised of Adicoff, Masters, Joshua Sweeney, and Sydney Peterson – outperform their competitors. “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 said, describing the enthusiastic embrace from Masters. “She goes crazy, she’s got a lot of passion. She takes that to the race course and to the celebrations afterwards.”
Masters, already the most decorated American Winter Paralympian, extended her record to 23 Paralympic medals with the mixed relay victory. She also secured her fourth gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games, a testament to her consistent excellence. “I’m a very passionate, aggressive person, and I was just so excited,” Masters explained. “I was so happy for Jake, because I know he’s chasing that 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.”
Adicoff’s Journey to Gold
Adicoff, who is vision impaired, has overcome significant challenges to reach the pinnacle of Paralympic sport. He has no vision in his right eye and limited vision in his left eye, a result of contracting chickenpox in utero. Growing up in Sun Valley, Idaho, he initially pursued Alpine skiing before transitioning to cross-country skiing after his parents realized it was a better fit for his visual impairment. He previously competed in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Paralympic Games, winning a silver medal in the 10km classic, and also earned two silver medals at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games.
His recent successes haven’t been without a signature flair. Adicoff has been celebrating his victories by taking a bow to acknowledge his supporters, a gesture that has resonated with fans who have even begun wearing hats with his name on them. “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.”
Masters Continues Dominance
Oksana Masters’ performance at the Milan Cortina Games has been nothing short of remarkable. Her fourth gold medal in Italy brings her total Paralympic medal count to 23, spanning both Winter and Summer Games. Masters also competes in Para rowing and Para cycling during the Summer Paralympics, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. “It feels so unreal. Four times just feels like a fake number right now. For it to be gold is just a dream,” Masters said. “I’m 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 there’s something in Italy and the air and the coffee, the pizza, that is treating me well.” She has competed in every Paralympic Games since 2012, accumulating 18 Winter and 5 Summer medals.
Adicoff will have one final opportunity to compete at Milan Cortina on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in the 20-kilometer interval start free race. He is believed to be one of five openly gay athletes representing the United States at these Games, marking a significant step forward for inclusivity in Paralympic sport.
The Milan Cortina Paralympics can be seen on Peacock and will conclude with the closing ceremony on Sunday. As Adicoff prepares for his final race, his story continues to inspire, demonstrating the power of perseverance, inclusivity, and the unwavering support of teammates like Oksana Masters.
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