Surprise! THIS Former Olympian Gave Birth to Her 1st Child!

Congratulations are in order for Michelle Kwan!

Wednesday on Instagram, the two-time Olympic medalist surprised fans when she announced she gave birth to a baby girl named Kalista Belle Kwan.

While posting a carousel, featuring a photo of her bundle of joy as well as a time-lapse video of her burgeoning baby bump, the figure skater opened up about her pursuit of motherhood.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mom and, to me, she’s a perfect miracle. I had a hard time picturing what she might look like yet it seems like she’s been in my life forever,” the athlete wrote. “This has been a challenging journey to motherhood (not to mention a very long labor!!!) and I’m glad I never gave up.”

Kwan also expressed gratitude to loved ones and medical staff who offered her support and guidance throughout her pregnancy journey.

“I feel so grateful to have had the support of so many during this time, including my fertility doctor, doctors and nurses who looked after me, friends that shared their stories, and of course, my family & my [love] who I could not live without.”

At the end of her touching message, Kwan gave a shout-out to the mothers in the world, and those who are struggling with fertility issues.

“I want to send my best to all the mom’s out there (as we all know, moms rule the world!). And, I wish anyone trying to conceive in any which way (ivf, iui, surrogacy, adoption and naturally) all the success and love. You’re not alone on this path and I’m pulling for you.”

Last month, it was reported that President Joe Biden announced his intention to nominate Kwan, a longtime Democratic activist, to serve as ambassador to Belize.

“If confirmed, I will be very proud to serve my country,” Kwan said in a statement. “Belize is full of incredible history and culture, and has been a tremendous partner to the United States. I look forward to working with the Belizean government on economic issues, to put an end to this pandemic, and to address the root causes of migration.”

In 2018, Kwan — who took home a silver medal at the 1998 Games and a bronze at the 2002 Games — opened up to People about her life after competition.

“There’s no easy transition for professional athletes, Olympians,” she told the outlet. “For 20 years of my life, it was all about skating. And then I finished and was like, ‘Now what?’ I think athletes struggle with the identity. I was known as a figure skater and then I went back to school, and then I pursued my master’s degree in foreign policy. I’m no longer a figure skater.”