Oksana Baiul Loses Custody of Daughter Amid Divorce Proceedings

Olympic Champion’s Personal Struggles

Oksana Baiul, the beloved gold medalist figure skater, recently encountered a significant upheaval in her personal life as she lost custody of her daughter amid a challenging divorce from her estranged husband, Carlo Farina. This decision, made during a custody hearing, marks a dramatic shift in Baiul’s life as a devoted mother and public figure.

Custody Decision and Relocation

According to court documents obtained by US Weekly, Baiul, 48, finalized her divorce from Farina on Monday. In the agreement, Farina was granted primary custody of their 10-year-old daughter, Sophia. Additionally, he has the court’s approval to relocate with Sophia from Louisiana to the vibrant city of Las Vegas, effectively changes Baiul’s role in her daughter’s day-to-day life.

• Custody Details:
  • Farina granted primary custody
  • Permission to relocate to Las Vegas

Personal Reflections on Divorce

Baiul expressed the emotional toll that the divorce process has taken on her. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she stated:

“As I’m sure anyone who has ever been through a separation or divorce knows, it is a lengthy and often devastating journey… [W]hen there is a child involved, they must be the priority.”

This resonates with many parents navigating similar challenges.

Background of the Couple’s Relationship

Baiul and Farina were married for 13 years, sharing their lives since 2012 when they welcomed Sophia in June 2015. The romantic partnership took a turn for the worse, resulting in Farina filing for divorce over the summer of 2025. He cited continuous separation since 2022 and raised concerns about Baiul’s alleged alcohol abuse and dishonesty.

• Key Background Facts:
  • Married in 2012, separated in 2022
  • Child born in 2015

Baiul countered these claims, arguing that their split only officially occurred in June 2025. She sought joint custody, accusing Farina of manipulation.

Settlement and Professional Commitments

After much deliberation, the couple reached a settlement in October 2025. Notably, neither party is obligated to pay spousal support, and Baiul has also been relieved from child support payments. However, as part of the agreement, she has committed to attending anger management sessions and drug testing to ensure sobriety.

"Unfortunately, many divorces are tumultuous and painful… I can only act in her best interest and beseech you for the grace to move forward," Baiul mentioned in a follow-up social media update.

Selling Her Mansion and New Beginnings

In September, Baiul announced her plans to sell her $1.2 million mansion in Louisiana. This decision came after challenges arose in her attempt to establish a skating school in Shreveport. Despite her fondness for the community, she stated:

“I can’t make a living in Shreveport… I have to go where the ice exists.”

The mansion, a striking five-bedroom property built in 1925, is still listed for sale at the same price. Post-divorce, Baiul has relocated to Las Vegas, where she has found employment coaching young skaters at the NHL Vegas Golden Knights facility.

Legacy as an Olympic Champion

Baiul remains a significant figure in sports history. She made headlines in 1994 when she won the gold medal in figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, becoming a symbol of talent and perseverance. Following her Olympic success, she trained and built her career in the United States, ultimately settling down in Pennsylvania before meeting Farina.

Conclusion: A Journey Forward

As Oksana Baiul navigates this intricate chapter of her life, she embodies the resilience that defined her Olympic journey. While facing personal challenges, her dedication to her daughter and profession remains evident. The process may be long, but the focus on her daughter’s welfare continues to guide her path forward.

For insights into Baiul’s illustrious figure skating career, check her profile on Wikipedia.

This article not only covers the key events of Baiul’s divorce and custody arrangements but also highlights the emotional and professional aspects surrounding her life.