The AFP is reporting that alpine skiing star Anja Paerson of Sweden has become a mother to a baby boy with her long-term girlfriend. Paerson's 39-year-old partner Filippa gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday. This corrects an earlier statement by the AFP that Paerson carried the child.

"Early yesterday morning (Wednesday) the most beautiful little boy in the world arrived. I don't think I could be happier," said the former Olympic champion, who also published a photo of the newborn.

The 31-year-old, who retired following the World Cup earlier in 2012, has for years faced rumors about her personal life, before revealing on Swedish radio last month that she was in a relationship with a woman, Ms Filippa, 39.

Paerson, who made her debut in 1988 at the World Cup, took 19 championship medals, 42 World Cup victories, and two overall World Cup titles in 2004 and 2005. —AFP