Two-Time Olympic Medalist Michelle Kwan Is First-Time Mom

 

“I’m overjoyed and tears of happiness are streaming down my face as I share the news of the arrival of Kalista Belle Kwan!” she wrote.


“I had a hard time picturing what she might look like yet it seems like she’s been in my life forever. This has been a challenging journey to motherhood (not to mention a very long labor!!!) and I’m glad I never gave up.”


Kwan, 41, also posted a photo of the newborn, as well as a montage depicting the stages of her pregnancy.


“I’ve wanted to share this happy news for many months but each milestone seemed to be exciting and daunting at the same time,” she shared.


The post included thanks to family, friends and medical professionals who helped Kwan throughout her pregnancy.


Congratulations are pouring in from fellow Olympians, celebrity friends and many of the fans who watched Kwan win nine U.S. titles and five world crowns during her illustrious international competitive career, which stretched from 1992 through 2005.


“Embrace every second of your new incredible journey, it goes by so fast!” wrote fellow figure skater Tai Babilonia, the 1979 world pairs champion and a 1980 Olympian.


“So thrilled for her and for you. What an incredible mom you will be. Can’t wait to meet her !!!” gushed fashion designer Vera Wang, who designed Kwan’s 1998 and 2002 Olympic costumes.


From the figure skating world, 1992 Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi, two-time 2018 Olympic medalist Maia Shibutani and Kwan’s longtime rival Sasha Cohen, the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, contributed best wishes, as did Paralympic and Olympic champions including Tatyana McFadden and Allyson Felix.


Kwan’s former boss Hillary Clinton, for whom she campaigned during the 2016 presidential election, was quick to post her reaction.


“Joyous news. Congratulations!” wrote the former Secretary of State.


Clinton represents Kwan’s current career, centered in the political and international relations arena. A graduate of both the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at University of Denver, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Kwan was recently nominated by President Biden for the post of U.S. Ambassador to Belize.

Lynn Rutherford is a sportswriter based out of New York. She is a freelance contributor to TeamUSA.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.