LAS VEGAS -- French figure skating champion Surya Bonaly has become a US citizen during a ceremony Friday in Las Vegas.

The 30-year-old Bonaly says she is thankful for living in the United States and "to be able to now say I'm an American is nice."

Bonaly was sworn in during an afternoon ceremony at the federal courthouse in Las Vegas.

A native of Nice, Bonaly won nine French national championships, competed in three Olympics and won silver medals at world figure skating championships between 1993 and 1995.

She turned professional in 1998 and now tours with "Champions on Ice."