Ukrainian figure skating legend Oksana Baiul, who captured the world's heart with her gold medal win at the 1994 Winter Olympics, has seen her personal life take a difficult turn. Her 13-year marriage to businessman Carlo Farina has officially ended, culminating in a significant custody decision concerning their young daughter.
The End of a 13-Year Union and a Custody Agreement
Baiul publicly announced her split from Carlo Farina in mid-2025. However, in a revealing detail, the Olympic medalist shared that the couple had actually separated three years prior to the announcement. The formal dissolution of their marriage was followed by a closely watched custody battle over their 11-year-old daughter, Sophia.
On January 5, 2026, reports from US Weekly confirmed that Carlo Farina won sole custody of Sophia. This decision came after both former partners informed the court they had reached a private agreement. As part of this arrangement, Farina and their daughter were permitted to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada. Baiul, who also moved to Nevada, received a 2020 Mercedes as part of the settlement.
Carlo Farina: From Fashion to Figure Skating Management
Farina, an entrepreneur with a diverse educational background, is a notable figure in his own right. He studied fashion design, fine arts, and international business at Thomas Jefferson University, graduating in 1999. He furthered his studies in international business and public relations at Rider University.
Professionally, he is the owner of the Carlo J. Farina Co., a firm he started in 1988 with interests in oil and gas, entertainment asset management, and investments. Intriguingly, Farina also stepped into the world of his ex-wife. Since June 2020, he has served as the CEO of the Champions on Ice Tour, a move that followed his company's purchase of the tour rights and prompted his relocation to Las Vegas.
He is also venturing into production, listed as a producer and writer for an upcoming project titled 'The True Life Story of Sonja Henie', about the famed Olympic skater and Hollywood star.
A Past Alliance: Farina as Baiul's Advocate
The couple's professional lives were intertwined long before their marriage ended. In a notable chapter, Carlo Farina acted as Oksana Baiul's personal manager in August 2011. He aggressively represented her in a legal dispute against her former representatives, William Morris Endeavor.
Baiul alleged she was taken advantage of from the age of 16, and Farina discovered accounting discrepancies on the agency's part in November 2012. This advocacy proved highly successful. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Farina's efforts led to a substantial settlement, securing $9.5 million on behalf of Oksana Baiul.
The conclusion of their marriage marks the end of a long personal and professional partnership for the former Olympic champion and the businessman, with their focus now shifted to co-parenting their daughter from separate lives.
