"I was fortunate enough to compete on 3 different Olympic teams, 2016, 2021 and 2024 - Rio, Tokyo and Paris, won 4 Olympic medals, 3 gold, 1 silver, and I guess my biggest claim to fame is that I was the first person to break 00:01:30 in the 200-yard freestyle," says Pieroni
Having completed two other open water swims before, this will be Pieroni's first time swimming in the Chicago River.
"This is the second year that it's happening but it's my first time doing it, so kind of see what the event's all about, how successful it is, how many people participate," says Pieroni.
Swimming three times a week to prepare, the Olympian recognizes differences that may be a challenge along the way.
"It's hard because, at least for me, it's hard because you have to like look up and position yourself to like make sure you're on course. That's not something you ever do in a pool. You lay lines, flip, turn, etcetera." Pieroni continues, "I don't think it should be too, too difficult. It's not like it's in the ocean, not like massive waves to worry about or sharks, so I think it'll be alright."
The fundraising efforts will be donated to researchers determined to find a cure for the motor neuron disease.
"I remember the Ice Bucket Challenge. That was a big deal, so I thought it was just a good cause. I love swimming, I thought it was cool that you can do it in the river. Love the city of Chicago... so I thought it would be a great cause."
The Chicago River Swim is taking place on September 20.
For more information or to donate, visit: https://www.chicagoriverswim.org/
ABC7 Chicago will stream the swim live on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 to 10 a.m. Audiences can watch on ABC7Chicago.com, Disney+ under the Live tab by selecting ABC7 Chicago and ABC7's Connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.