Dana Vollmer to Compete in 50M Freestyle Race While Pregnant

Seven-time Olympic medalist Dana Vollmer announced Thursday she's planning to compete in a USA Swimming Pro Series event in April while around six months pregnant.

The American swimmer confirmed the decision on Instagram:

The meet, which is part of the Arena Pro Swim Series, will take place in Mesa, Arizona, starting April 13, according to ESPN.com. She is expecting her second child in July.

Vollmer is one of the most decorated swimmers in American history with 16 overall medals from World Championship competition to go along with her Olympic success. She's also earned numerous other podium finishes in other events.

The 29-year-old New York native captured at least one medal in three of the past four Summer Games, dating back to Athens in 2004. She won three medals in Rio de Janeiro last year, including her fifth career gold as part of the 4x100-meter medley relay team.

She doesn't have any medals at the Olympic or World Championship level in the 50-meter freestyle, which is the discipline she'll compete in next month. But getting in the pool for a race will accomplish a goal of staying active during her pregnancy.

Vollmer told Kim Vandenberg of Excelle Sports she "really, really missed" the opportunity to train and compete while pregnant with her son, Arlen.

"It's not all about winning Olympic medals," she said. "Everyone tries to fit working out into their daily life and it might not always be at the Olympic level. I am not one who likes to go to the gym by myself. I need teammates, I need coaches. I know that about myself."

Vollmer also noted her sights are still set on qualifying for the 2020 Games in Tokyo, where she'd be making her fourth appearance as part of the American delegation.