Louisville's Oksana Masters carries torch in Paralympics opening ceremony

Louisville native Oksana Masters enjoyed a moment in the spotlight during the Paralympics opening ceremony Wednesday evening in Paris.

During the ceremony at the iconic Place de la Concorde , Masters , who has racked up 17 medals for Team USA at the Paralympic games, received the torch and stepped onto a podium as choreographed dancers gyrated around her.

After she dismounted the pedestal, the flock of dancers breezed past her and congregated, eventually dispersing before she handed the torch off to the next athlete.

During her time on screen, commentators acknowledged her ties to Louisville and her history of success in the games.

Masters, 35, was born in Ukraine with severe leg abnormalities. She moved to Louisville when she was 7 years old after being adopted by Dr. Gay Masters, a speech pathology professor at the University of Louisville.

She attended Highland Middle School and Atherton High School .

The multi-sport athlete is set to compete as a Para cyclist for her third time in this year's games. She's competing in the handcycling category and will participate in the road race and time trial events Sept. 4 and 5.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville's Oksana Masters carries torch in Paralympics opening ceremony