Tara Lipinski Net Worth

What Is Tara Lipinski’s Net Worth?

Tara Lipinski, a celebrated American former Olympic figure skater and commentator, boasts a substantial net worth of $25 million. This financial success stems from her illustrious skating career, endorsement deals, and subsequent work as a commentator and media personality.

Early Life and Transition to Figure Skating

Tara Lipinski was born on June 10, 1982, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her father, Jack Lipinski, significantly contributed to the family’s financial standing through his role as the CEO of CVR Energy, a multi-billion-dollar petroleum conglomerate. He dedicated 16 years to the company, serving as CEO for 12 of those years.

Growing up in New Jersey, Lipinski initially excelled in roller skating, winning the primary girls freestyle at the 1991 United States Roller Skating Championships. At the age of nine, she transitioned to figure skating, taking lessons at the University of Delaware. Following her father’s job promotion, the family relocated to Texas in 1991. Two years later, Tara and her mother moved back East to resume her intensive training. In 1994, they moved to Bloomfield, Michigan, where she trained with Richard Callaghan at the Detroit Skating Club.

Figure Skating Career: Championships and Olympic Gold

From 1994 to 1995, Tara consistently achieved podium finishes at various figure skating events, frequently being the youngest skater to accomplish such feats. Under the tutelage of renowned trainer Richard Callaghan, she rapidly ascended in the sport. In 1997, at age 14, she became the youngest person to ever win the U.S. Championships and the World Championships. Her signature triple loop-triple loop combination further solidified her dominance in the sport. During the 1996-1997 season, she clinched the gold medal at the Champion Series final, defeating future Olympian rival Michelle Kwan.

By the commencement of the 1997-1998 season, Lipinski had grown by two inches and reached the age of 15. Inspired by her Russian ballet teacher, Marina Sheffer, she selected film scores for both her short program and free skate. The American press heavily emphasized the rivalry between Kwan and Lipinski, adding an extra layer of anticipation to their competitions. At the Skate America competition, Kwan emerged victorious, marking the first time she had defeated Lipinski in three competitions. Kwan won the gold medal, with Lipinski securing second place.

At the 1998 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Tara secured second place behind Kwan, due to a fall during her short program while attempting a triple flip. Lipinski and Kwan entered the Olympics as both were favored to win the gold medal. At the Olympics in Nagano, Japan, Kwan won the short program, and Lipinski secured second place. During her long program, Tara flawlessly executed seven triples, including her signature triple loop-triple loop combination, as well as a closing triple toe-half loop-triple Salchow with a clean landing. Lipinski was awarded scores of 5.8s and 5.9s and won the gold medal, making her the youngest Olympic gold medalist in figure skating history and the sixth American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

Transition to Professional Skating and Media Career

Almost immediately after her Olympic victory, Lipinski transitioned to professional skating. She withdrew from the 1998 World Figure Skating Championships due to an infection that caused fatigue. Her decision to turn professional was announced on “Today,” rendering her ineligible for future Olympic competitions. She cited the desire to alleviate her family’s separation and pursue higher education as motivations for her decision.

Lipinski’s decision to withdraw from competitions was met with criticism from the skating community. She subsequently signed a deal with CBS to engage in acting and perform in skating shows and non-sanctioned competitions. She participated in over 300 live shows and appeared on CBS’s “Ice Wars.” She produced and starred in a two-hour special titled “Tara Lipinski: From This Moment On.” Lipinski also joined the cast of “Stars on Ice” and embarked on a tour spanning over 90 U.S. cities. In 1999, she returned to “Stars on Ice” for a second season. She also made appearances on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless” and on TV shows for the Fox Family Network and Nickelodeon.

In 1999, Tara achieved another milestone by becoming the youngest skater to win the World Professional Figure Skating Championships, where she executed a triple flip, a triple toe loop, and a triple salchow in her free skating program. In 2000, at the age of 18, she underwent hip surgery for a misdiagnosed torn labrum. In 2002, she toured 61 U.S. cities with “Stars on Ice” before retiring from the ice altogether that same year. She now serves as a commentator for Universal Sports and works for various philanthropic groups. As a commentator, Tara and fellow former Olympian Johnny Weir were the main commentators for the 2014 Sochi Olympics games and the 2018 games in PyeongChang. The pair also serve as “fashion and lifestyle experts” at the Kentucky Derby every year and “cultural correspondents” at the Summer Olympics.

Real Estate Investments: Homes in Kiawah, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades

Lipinski’s real estate portfolio reflects her financial success. She and her husband own an ocean-front home in Kiawah, South Carolina, valued at an estimated $11 million. In 2005, she acquired a home in Santa Monica, California, for $2.85 million, which is now estimated to be worth $5 million. In June 2021, Lipinski expanded her real estate holdings by purchasing a home in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood for $8.4 million.