Van Mathias Wins 50 Freestyle at Indy Cup in Continued Display of Speed
The sprint talent of Van Mathias has been a major storyline in the sport over the past few months, especially with the Indiana University product emerging as one of the world’s leading breaststrokers. On Saturday night, though, Mathias put his speed on display in the 50-meter freestyle, winning that event in 21.76 at the Indy Spring Cup. Mathias was followed in second place by Louisville’s Nikita Sheremet (22.15).
Already the winner of the 50 breaststroke and 100 breaststroke in Indianapolis, Mathias showed that his sprint prowess spans multiple strokes. What Mathias does this summer at the Pan Pacific Championships will be intriguing. He recently set an American record in the 50 breaststroke and became the No. 2 performer in United States history in the 100 breaststroke.
Mathias was joined as a winner on Saturday night by multiple athletes with Indiana University ties. Coming off a win in the 200 freestyle from Friday night, Anna Peplowski prevailed in the 100 backstroke, going 59.90 to crack the one-minute barrier. Alex Shackell was the runnerup in 1:00.92, and returned to the pool to win the 100 butterfly in 58.27, with Liberty Clark placing second in 58.82. Clark later won the 200 individual medley in 2:14.51.
Other winners included Mira Knedla (54.80) in the men’s 100 backstroke and Molly Sweeney (2:33.19) and Josh Bey (2:12.94) in the 200 breaststroke events. Matthew Klinge topped the field in the men’s 100 fly, going 52.95. Owen McDonald (2:02.00) edged Greg Enoch (2:02.04) in the men’s 200 IM and Grace Hoeper (25.47) was quickest in the women’s 50 freestyle.
In the 800 freestyle events, victories were claimed by Luke Whitlock (7:58.26) and Mila Nikanorov (8:31.04). Carson Hick was the runnerup in the 800 free, behind a mark of 7:58.52.