Shizuka Arakawa, who won the women's figure skating gold medal at the 2006 Turin Olympics, announced Wednesday that she is three months into a pregnancy.
The 32-year-old Arakawa posted a note on her official website explaining her desire to take a break from performing in ice shows.
"I was very conflicted," her message wrote. "Until I am ready to return, I intend to devote myself to this little life."
Arakawa, who retired from competition following the Turin Games, has performed in ice shows and worked as an analyst.