TEAM “BAD COMPANY” TRUNK & ARMS ROWING  Sgt. Rob Jones & Oksana Masters
Athletes Without Limits/Paralympic Military Program Rowing
Patrick Johnson & Bob Hurley-Coaches Rob Jones and Oksana Masters are two enthusiastic adaptive rowers, who have their dreams set on representing the United States in London 2012. The partnership pairs these two amazing athletes with the combined support of Athletes Without Limits, Louisville Rowing Club and the Paralympic Military Program and has proved to be a new force in the adaptive rowing community. Oksana Masters Born: 6/19/89 Birthplace: Ukraine Oksana was adopted at the age of 7 years old from an orphanage in the Ukraine. As a result of radiation poisoning in utero, Oksana had both of her legs amputated above the knee. At the age of 13 she was introduced to the sport of rowing and immediately excelled. Oksana has earned numerous first place medals in both adaptive and open category rowing races.  Additionally, she was the first adaptive rower to enter the Indiana Head of the Eagle where she competed in the open women single race. In 2009, Oksana set a world record at the CRASH B Sprints World Indoor Rowing Championship with a time of 4:27. Through rowing, Oksana finds peace and healing on the water while striving to reach her dream of competing in the 2012 Paralympic Games. Rob Jones Born: 9/7/85 Birthplace: Columbia, Maryland Rob is a US Marine who was honorably serving our country in Afghanistan when he came across an IED (explosive), which resulted in amputation of both legs. Rob became a bilateral above knee amputee in July of 2010. However, he has not let this life changing incident alter his attitude! Rob is a strong man with a great personality who has decided to turn his misfortune into an opportunity to be a competitive athlete. He is not only an adaptive rower but has also competed in the Marine Corps 10k & the Nations Olympic Distance Triathlon to name a few. In his short adaptive rowing career, he has already placed in several competitions. Rob’s strong drive and pure athletic talent will help in the pursuit of his 2012 Paralympics dream. The goal of the 2012 London Paralympics is a dream; however, with the talent, ambition, and drive these athletes possess, the potential to represent the United States is within reach.