Ivana Trump: A Life Beyond the Ski Slopes was the first wife of President-elect Donald Trump. Born in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia?now known as Zlín in the Czech Republic?in 1949, she gained recognition as a competitive skier, showcasing her athletic prowess on the slopes. Her marriage to Austrian ski instructor Alfred Winklmayr in 1971 opened doors for her, allowing Ivana to frequently travel outside of her homeland, enriching her life with diverse experiences and opportunities that would shape her future.
In her memoir, Raising Trump, Ivana recounted meeting Donald Trump three years after her divorce from Winklmayr. This pivotal encounter occurred during a trip to New York, where she had journeyed for a Canadian fashion show, coinciding with the excitement surrounding the Montreal Olympics. Their wedding in 1977 marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, culminating in the birth of three children: Donald Trump Jr. in 1977, followed by Ivanka Trump in 1981, and Eric Trump in 1984. This family dynamic played a significant role in shaping both Ivana’s identity and her public persona.
The couple’s relationship took a tumultuous turn, leading to their divorce in 1992, which was largely attributed to Donald’s affair with Marla Maples, whom he later married. Despite the challenges of their separation, Ivana, who subsequently entered into two marriages?with Riccardo Mazzucchelli for two years and Rossano Rubicondi for less than a year?managed to maintain a cordial relationship with Donald, demonstrating resilience and grace in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on the divorce, Ivana shared her insights during a 2017 interview with ABC News, stating, ?Donald during the divorce was brutal. He took the divorce as a business deal, and he cannot lose. He has to win. So he took about two years. And after the final situation was straightened up, we would just talk and we are friends.? This perspective highlights the complexities of their relationship, which evolved from personal tumult to a supportive friendship.
Ivana Trump passed away in 2022 at the age of 73. Reports from NBC News indicated that the New York City Medical Examiner attributed her death to ?blunt impact injuries,? with the manner classified as an accident. A senior NYC official confirmed that the circumstances surrounding her death were consistent with a fall on the stairs in her New York apartment, marking a tragic end to a life filled with remarkable experiences and achievements.
