Ivana Marie Trump, born Ivana Zelníčková in 1949, rose from a background as a competitive skier in Czechoslovakia to establish a prominent career in business and socialite circles. Her trajectory included residence in Canada and a subsequent transition into the high-profile landscape of 1980s New York City real estate and hospitality management.
Early Life and Athletics
Born in Zlín, then Gottwaldov, she was the daughter of Miloš and Marie Zelníčková. She began skiing at age four and later joined the junior national ski team, allowing her to travel beyond communist borders. She attended Charles University, earning a master's degree in physical education in 1972. While she later asserted involvement in the 1972 Winter Olympics, official records from the Czechoslovak Olympic Committee found no evidence of her participation.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Emigration and Professional Development
In 1971, she married Alfred Winklmayr, an Austrian ski instructor, to secure a passport and exit Czechoslovakia. Following their divorce, she relocated to Canada. During her time in Montreal, she worked as a ski instructor and model, representing clients including Eaton's and fashion designer Auckie Sanft. She simultaneously improved her English through night courses at McGill University.
The Trump Organization Years
After marrying Donald Trump in 1977 at Marble Collegiate Church, she integrated into the Trump Organization. Her roles included vice president of interior design, president of Trump's Castle, and manager of the Plaza Hotel. These professional responsibilities coincided with her status as a central figure in New York society. Her marriage to Donald Trump ended in a highly publicized divorce granted in 1990.
Post-Divorce Enterprise and Media
Following her divorce, she diversified her professional activities into fashion, jewelry, and beauty product lines, marketed through QVC UK and the Home Shopping Network. Her literary contributions included the autobiography Raising Trump and an advice column titled "Ask Ivana," which ran in Globe from 1995 to 2010. She died in New York City in 2022 and was buried at the Trump family cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Zlín
- Died: 2022, New York City
- Education: Charles University, 1967-1971
- Languages: English, Russian, Czech
- Notable Role: CEO and president of Trump's Castle
- Award: Czech Medal of Merit
Questions readers ask
Did Ivana Trump compete in the 1972 Winter Olympics?
No. Although she claimed to be a substitute for the Czechoslovak team, the Czechoslovak Olympic Committee stated no records exist, and official lists confirm no female alpine skiers were sent.
What executive positions did she hold at the Trump Organization?
She served as vice president of interior design, manager of the Plaza Hotel, and CEO and president of the Trump's Castle casino resort.
