Former Olympic gold medalist and world champion Lindsey Vonn is returning to skiing, she announced Thursday. She said in an interview with the New York Times that her return was not planned and that she only reconsidered after successful knee replacement surgery seven months ago stopped the pain that had prompted her retirement.

Vonn, then Lindsey Kildow, placed sixth in the combined event, the best finish for any U.S. female Alpine skier at the Salt Lake City Games. It remains the best Olympic finish for any Alpine skier from any nation that young since 1976.

Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated skiers in history, ended her retirement and will join the U.S. Ski Team, the three-time Olympic medalist announced Thursday.