Van Mathias breaks American record in 50m breaststroke in swimming comeback

The 25-year-old returns to competition after a two-year hiatus, setting a new national mark in an Olympic event debut.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented motion of a swimmer performing the breaststroke, with sharp planes of color and overlapping forms conveying the energy and dynamism of the event.Mathias' record-breaking swim showcases the raw power and grace of elite breaststroke technique.Austin Today

Van Mathias, a 25-year-old swimmer, has broken the American record in the 50m breaststroke, an event that will make its Olympic debut in 2028. Mathias, who previously swam for Indiana University, took a two-year break from competition before being inspired to return last year. In his first competitive swims in the 50m breaststroke since 2013, Mathias posted the fastest time for an American in 2025 and has now set a new national record of 26.39 seconds.

Why it matters

The 50m breaststroke is a new Olympic event, and Mathias' record-breaking performance demonstrates the depth of American talent in the sport of swimming. His comeback story also highlights the resilience and determination of elite athletes who step away from competition and then find the motivation to return at a high level.

The details

Mathias, who swam for Indiana University from 2018-23, was primarily a butterflier in college but finished second in the 100-yard breaststroke at the 2023 NCAA Championships. After leaving competition for two years, he was inspired to return after seeing the U.S. Championships in Indianapolis last year. Mathias then made the team for the 2025 Pan Pacific Championships, posting the fastest 50m breaststroke time for an American that year. In his first competitive swims in the event since 2013, he broke the American record with a time of 26.39 seconds at the Bergen Swim Festival in Norway.

  • Mathias swam for Indiana University from 2018-23.
  • He left competition for two years after college.
  • Mathias was inspired to return after seeing the 2024 U.S. Championships in Indianapolis.
  • Two months later, he made the team for the 2025 Pan Pacific Championships.
  • Mathias broke the American record in the 50m breaststroke at the 2026 Bergen Swim Festival in Norway.

The players

Van Mathias

A 25-year-old swimmer who previously competed for Indiana University and has now broken the American record in the 50m breaststroke, an event that will make its Olympic debut in 2028.

Nic Fink

The previous American record holder in the 50m breaststroke, with a time of 26.45 seconds set at the 2022 World Championships.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a new lease on life in swimming.”

— Van Mathias

What’s next

Mathias will look to continue his strong performances and secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2028 Games, where the 50m breaststroke will make its debut.

The takeaway

Mathias' record-breaking comeback demonstrates the depth of American swimming talent and the resilience of elite athletes who are able to step away from competition and then return at a high level. His performance in the new Olympic event of 50m breaststroke is a promising sign for the future of U.S. swimming.