Ivana Trump Biography

Ivana's father taught her to ski and swim when she was just two years old and she later became a member of the Czech youth ski team, although Olympic selectors passed her over for the 1972 squad.

After obtaining a Masters degree in physical education at Charles University in Prague, Ivana emigrated to Canada. She married Austrian skier, Alfred Winklmayr, in 1971, enabling her to leave Communist Czechoslovakia. It was in Montreal that she enjoyed some success as a model.

In 1976, Ivana met Donald Trump, an entrepreneur who had inherited his father's $20 million businesses. Nine months later they were married and had three children, Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric.

Donald’s wealth, combined with Ivana's talent for publicity, hastened their rise to the top of society. When the businessman bought New York's Plaza Hotel, he installed his wife on a $1 a year salary, plus all the couture frocks she wanted.

The couple acquired many homes, including a triplex penthouse in Trump Tower with 50-odd rooms, not to mention their own Boeing 727 airliner.

However, the Trumps separated as a result of Donald’s alleged infidelity. A 13-month legal battle ensued, with Ivana eventually winning a $25 million payout, $10 million of which was in cash.

Ivana decided to build her own empire, "Ivana Inc". She has a range of clothing, a magazine and has written two novels and a 'Guide to Divorce', with the help of a ghost-writer.

In 1995 she married Italian businessman, Riccardo Mazzucchelli, but almost immediately she left him for Ferrari dealer, Roffredo Gaetani di Laurenzana.