Olympic swimmer Maritza McClendon joins Chicago River Swim in the fight against ALS

ATLANTA (WLS) -- Olympic silver medalist Maritza McClendon made history in 2004, becoming the first Black woman in U.S. history to qualify for an Olympic swim team. But her journey began in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where after being diagnosed with scoliosis at six years old her doctors gave her the option to get involved with swimming as a form of therapy. It was love at first dive.



McClendon would spend the next 15+ years swimming and competing under the tutelage of Olympic coach, Peter Banks. In 2004, McClendon qualified for the U.S. Olympic swim team and won a silver medal while in Athens, Greece. McClendon continues to use that medal today to build a platform and advocate to children and parents across the country on the importance of learning to swim and breaking down racial barriers around the sport.

McClendon is excited to bring her advocacy to Chicago for the Chicago River Swim on September 20. The swim, featuring hundreds of athletes diving into the Chicago riverfront, is helping raise funds for ALS research.

"I'm super excited to join the Chicago River Swim," McClendon said. "I hope people will take away the power of how a community can come together for a great cause."



Learn more about the Chicago River Swim by visiting: https://www.chicagoriverswim.org/