Former Olympic figure skating champion Oksana Baiul is navigating one of the most challenging phases of her life following a bitter divorce. The gold medalist, who captured the world's heart as a 16-year-old in 1994, has lost custody of her only child after her 13-year marriage officially ended.
Court Ruling Grants Sole Custody to Ex-Husband
This week, the divorce between Oksana Baiul and her former spouse, Carlo Farina, was finalized. The court's decision, first reported by People magazine, has significant implications. Carlo Farina was awarded sole custody of their 10-year-old daughter, Sophia. Furthermore, the ruling permits Farina, who serves as the CEO of the Champions On Ice Tour, to relocate with Sophia from Louisiana to Las Vegas.
The settlement outlines that Farina will make sincere efforts to facilitate visits between Sophia and Baiul. However, these visits are contingent upon Baiul requesting them and their daughter's agreement. In a financial arrangement, neither party will pay spousal support, and Baiul is also not obligated to pay child support.
Strict Conditions for the Former Champion
A pivotal component of the divorce agreement focuses on Oksana Baiul's personal conduct and well-being. The court has mandated specific conditions she must fulfill. Baiul has agreed to enroll in an anger management program. Additionally, she must undergo testing for drugs and alcohol to help maintain sobriety.
Baiul had previously hinted at a journey towards sobriety. On Christmas Day, she shared a video on Facebook displaying a sobriety chip, which she referred to as a "gift."
Baiul's Emotional Plea for Privacy
In the wake of the ruling, the Ukrainian-born skater shared a heartfelt message with her fans and the public. She described the divorce process as a "lengthy and often devastating journey."
"Divorce is hard enough, but when there is a child involved they must be the priority," Baiul wrote. "As a mother, I ask that you please respect our privacy at this time as we move forward building our new future."
As part of the settlement's property division, the former couple will sell a shared property in Louisiana. Baiul has temporary permission to reside in another home they co-owned. This follows her decision last September to sell her $1.195 million mansion in Shreveport, citing an inability to make a living there. She has since returned to Las Vegas to work with skating programs associated with the Vegas Golden Knights NHL organization.
The news has sent shockwaves through the global skating community and her fans, who vividly remember her triumphant and emotional victory at the Lillehammer Olympics. Decades later, her personal struggles have come under the legal spotlight, marking a stark new chapter for the former teen prodigy.
