Oksana Baiul TOPICS: Athletics / Sports Inspiration Olympics FEE CATEGORY:* Contact for fee schedule TRAVELS FROM: New Jersey Profile Request This Speaker

Oksana Baiul: Profile

World-champion figure-skater and Olympic gold-medalist

Oksana Baiul is one of the world’s most famous figure skaters. When she was only sixteen, she captured the hearts of millions as they viewed her stunning victory at the Lillehammer Winter Olympics, and her amazing story was told the world over. Soon after, Barbara Walters named Baiul “One of the 10 Most Fascinating Personalities” of the year.

But after an adolescence of hardship and overcoming obstacles, Baiul struggled with the pressures of instant fame and became depressed and lonely. And once again, she courageously transformed her life: Baiul now concentrates on her artistry, skating constantly and recently launching a clothing line. She has been profiled in dozens of magazines and television shows, including People, In Style and A&E Biography.

At the podium, Baiul articulately and emotionally delivers her incredible story of turning adversity into the strength to be a champion. Her message of survival and overcoming obstacles inspires every audience.

Born in the Ukraine, Baiul was raised by her mother and grandparents. In order to lose weight to become a ballerina, Baiul began figure skating at the age of three and showed exceptional skill even at that early age.

By the time she was thirteen, Baiul’s grandparents and mother had died. She moved to the United States, virtually alone, and skated constantly to train for the Olympics. After winning the World Championship title in Prague--her first time skating in a world competition--she was awarded a Gold Medal in the Winter Olympics.

Baiul, in addition to ice skating, has focused on a number of new ventures. The Oksana Baiul Collection is a figure skating apparel line she designs using her great sense of personal style. She serves as one of the principle owners of the company and is involved in its day-to-day operations.

The author of two autobiographies, Secrets of Skating and Oksana: My Own Story, Baiul’s life story was also depicted in the movie A Promise Kept: The Oksana Baiul Story.

Additionally, Oksana's life story was depicted in a CBS TV movie, A Promise Kept: The Oksana Baiul Story and she has published two books, Secrets of Skating/Oksana Baiul (Universe Publishing, 1997) and Oksana; My Own Story (Random House, 1997). Oksana has been profiled in several televised biographies including Lifetime Television's, Intimate Portrait (1998) and A&E's Biography (2003).

In late September, 2003, Oksana Baiul returned to her hometown of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine to meet her grandmother and father for the first time. Her heartfelt story was featured on the ABC News magazine show 20/20 with Elizabeth Vargas in March 2004. The story was also featured in People Magazine in the November 2003 issue.

Currently, Baiul practices several hours each day at the local rink to train for upcoming tours and competitions.

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