Olympic gold medalist Oksana Baiul has placed her Louisiana mansion on the market for $1.2 million, signaling a potential move to Las Vegas. Baiul, who represented Ukraine in figure skating at the 1994 Winter Olympics, expressed her disappointment with her career trajectory in Shreveport, stating, “I can’t make a living in Shreveport. Unfortunately I can’t.” She elaborated on her decision in a Facebook post, writing, “Thank you, Shreveport!!! House is for sale moving back to Las Vegas… I love u all. I am sorry it didn’t work out.”
Baiul explained that her relocation is driven by a desire to pursue opportunities elsewhere, particularly where she can continue her passion for skating. She recalled visiting Louisiana Downs after moving to Shreveport three years ago and realizing she had been there before during tours with ‘Champions on Ice.’ Her daughter, who was born in Las Vegas, currently resides there, adding another reason for her return to the city.
Reflecting on her life’s journey, Baiul shared her experiences with addiction, divorce, and financial ups and downs. She commented, “I’ve made all of the money in the world, lost all of the money in the world,” highlighting her resilience through personal challenges, akin to overcoming falls on the ice. She expressed gratitude for her experiences and conveyed her fondness for Shreveport, stating, “I will miss Shreveport a lot. Thank you.”
Reports indicate that Baiul and her former husband initially purchased the property for $600,000, making the current asking price a significant increase.