Van Mathias Blasts American Record in 50 Breaststroke at TYR Pro Series in Indy
For the second time in the past two months, Van Mathias has lowered the American record in the 50-meter breaststroke. Mathias put together his latest record-breaking performance on Wednesday night at the TYR Pro Series stop in Indianapolis, where he produced a mark of 26.30. That time sliced .09 off Mathias’ previous record, which was recorded in April competition.
After setting a meet record of 26.52 in the morning prelims, there was a feel that Mathias would threaten his American record during finals, and that is exactly the scenario that unfolded. Pushed by Michael Andrew during the early stages of the final, Mathias opened up a lead during the second half of the race and improved his No. 1 time in the world. Andrew finished second in 26.87.
Mathias has been a revelation over the past year, training at Indiana University and developing into the premier breaststroker in the American arsensal. Mathias has relied on a training program that doesn’t focus on high volume, but emphasizes speed in the water and an intense dryland program. Not only has Mathias become the American-record holder in the 50 breaststroke, he ranks as the No. 2 U.S. performer in the history of the 100 breaststroke.
In two months, Mathias will compete at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, that international meet providing the Indiana star with the opportunity to race against elite challengers. More, with the 50 breaststroke added to the Olympic program, Mathias is well-positioned to be a leading threat in the event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
=== A - Final ===
1 Mathias, Van 25 Indiana Swim Clu 26.53 26.30A
r:+0.66
2 Andrew, Michael 27 MA Swim Academy- 26.75 26.87
r:+0.65
3 Petrashov, Denis 26 Cardinal Aquatic 27.58 27.05
r:+0.65
4 Schreuders, Mikel 27 MA Swim Academy- 27.51 27.31
r:+0.61
5 Benzing, Brian 24 Towson Universit 27.39 27.36
r:+0.62
6 Wang, Jake 20 Bulldog Swimming 27.80 27.58
r:+0.58
7 Avakov, Alexei 20 Indiana Universi 27.68 27.62
r:+0.60
8 Conklin, Finnley 19 Univ Louisville- 27.66 27.85