Alfred Winklmayr may not be a household name, but his connection to Ivana Trump—the former wife of Donald Trump—has made him a figure of intrigue for decades. Their short-lived marriage in 1971 wasn’t born out of romance, but rather necessity. At just 22 years old, Ivana tied the knot with Winklmayr, a ski instructor from Austria, in Prague. So why did a young model from Czechoslovakia marry a man she called a “cold war”? The answer has everything to do with escape, freedom, and the political constraints of the Cold War era.

Alfred Winklmayr’s life was far from glamorous, yet his role in Ivana’s story is significant. As a ski instructor from Austria, he was living in a world apart from the restrictions Ivana faced back home. Their marriage, which lasted only two years, was reportedly arranged to give Ivana the chance to leave Czechoslovakia and build a new life abroad. Whether or not Winklmayr knew what he was getting into, this arrangement changed the course of Ivana’s life—and in turn, brought a little unwanted attention to a man who preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

So, who exactly is Alfred Winklmayr? What role did he play in Ivana Trump’s early life, and why does his name still come up decades later? Let’s break it down.

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Table of Contents

1. Biography of Alfred Winklmayr
2. Personal Details & Bio Data
3. Marriage to Ivana Trump
4. How the Marriage Impacted Ivana’s Life
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Alfred Winklmayr

Alfred Winklmayr was born in 1946 in Austria. Not much is publicly known about his early life or career beyond his work as a ski instructor. He was, by all accounts, a regular guy with a relatively quiet life. But his brief marriage to Ivana Trump, who later became a prominent figure in American society, has kept his name in the public consciousness.

While Winklmayr didn’t seek fame, his story became part of the larger narrative around Ivana’s journey from Czechoslovakia to New York. His name appeared in interviews and articles over the years, often in connection with the unusual nature of their marriage. Still, he never became a media darling or sought to profit from his link to the Trumps.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Marriage to Ivana Trump

Alfred Winklmayr and Ivana met when she was still living in Czechoslovakia. She was a competitive skier, part of the Czech junior national team, and had a strong connection to the sport. That’s likely how she crossed paths with Winklmayr, a professional ski instructor based in Austria.

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At the time, Czechoslovakia was under strict Communist rule, and leaving the country wasn’t easy. For Ivana, marrying Winklmayr was a way to gain Austrian citizenship and, more importantly, the freedom to travel internationally. Their marriage took place in Prague in November 1971, when Ivana was just 22 years old.

Some accounts suggest the marriage was arranged, or at the very least, not romantic in nature. Ivana referred to it as a “cold war”—a phrase that has led to confusion and speculation over the years. Her attorney, Michael Kennedy, even claimed that the marriage was purely strategic, a way for Ivana to escape her homeland.

How the Marriage Impacted Ivana’s Life

While the marriage to Winklmayr was short-lived, it had a massive impact on Ivana’s future. It allowed her to move to Austria, where she could begin a new chapter. From there, she eventually made her way to Canada and then the United States, where she met and married Donald Trump.

Without that initial step, Ivana’s life could have taken a completely different path. She might not have become a well-known figure in fashion, business, or American politics. So, in a way, Winklmayr played a small but pivotal role in shaping the woman Ivana Trump would become.

Yet, for all his importance in her story, Winklmayr himself has remained largely out of the public eye. He didn’t pursue the spotlight, nor did he attempt to capitalize on his connection to the Trumps. That alone makes him stand out in a world where many would do anything for a little fame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ivana Trump marry Alfred Winklmayr?

Ivana married Alfred Winklmayr primarily to gain Austrian citizenship and the ability to leave Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. The marriage, which lasted about two years, was reportedly not based on romance but rather a strategic move to escape political restrictions.

Is Alfred Winklmayr still alive?

As of 2025, Alfred Winklmayr is 79 years old. There is no recent public information about his current status, but he has not been in the public eye for many years.

Did Alfred Winklmayr know about Ivana’s plans to leave Czechoslovakia?

Details about whether Winklmayr was fully aware of Ivana’s intentions remain unclear. However, her attorney claimed the marriage was arranged specifically to help her escape, suggesting Winklmayr may have agreed to the union knowing its purpose.

Learn more about Ivana Trump’s life story and the people who shaped it. If you're curious about how political marriages like this one impacted personal lives during the Cold War, this page might offer some deeper insights.