Imagine making the U.S. National Team after just eight weeks of training. Sounds impossible, right? But that's exactly what Indiana’s Van Mathias did, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a bold shift in focus and relentless determination. Here’s the full story—and trust me, it’s as inspiring as it is surprising.
2025 SWIMMING WORLD CUP – CARMEL
Mark your calendars for a spectacle of speed and skill:
- Dates: October 10-12, 2025
- Location: Carmel, Indiana
- Pool Format: Short Course Meters (25 meters)
For all the nitty-gritty details, check out the official resources:
- Meet Central
- Psych Sheets
- Live Results
- All The Links
Van Mathias spent most of his career as a mid-distance butterfly specialist, a role he mastered with precision. But during his fifth year, he decided to shake things up. Switching to sprint freestyle and breaststroke, he not only adapted but thrived, earning NCAA All-American honors for Indiana. After that breakthrough, Mathias stepped away from competitive swimming to take on a new challenge: becoming the Director of Operations for IU Swimming.
But here’s where it gets controversial: This past June, after seeing the results from the U.S. Trials, Mathias and the IU coaching staff had a hunch. They believed he could still compete at the highest level. With just eight weeks of training, Mathias dove back into the pool and qualified for the Pan Pacific Championship team at the U.S. Nationals in Irvine, clocking an impressive 26.76 in the 50-meter breaststroke.
Today, Mathias juggles his role as Director of Operations with side training, proving that age and career shifts don’t have to define your limits. At the first World Cup stop in Carmel, he made the finals in both the 50 and 100 breaststroke, finishing 5th and 3rd, respectively. And this is the part most people miss: His story isn’t just about athletic prowess—it’s about the power of reinvention and the belief that it’s never too late to chase a dream.
HOW TO WATCH THE WORLD AQUATICS WORLD CUP
Don’t miss a stroke of the action! Here’s how to tune in:
- U.S. Viewers: Catch prelims and finals on the USA Swimming Network or Peacock.
- Canadian Fans: Stream every session on CBC.
- European Audiences: Tune in via the Eurovision Sport platform.
For global viewers, the World Aquatics Recast channel offers live and on-demand streaming. A three-day pass costs just $8.26 USD (590 credits).
About Coleman Hodges
Coleman Hodges, a Missouri native, has been making waves since he first hit the water at age 1. Though he doesn’t remember his early aquatic adventures, his passion for swimming stuck. At 9, he joined the Columbia Swim Club, where he’s still legendary for his stylish dragon swim trunks. Today, he continues to inspire through his writing and coverage of the sport. Read More.
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
Is eight weeks of training enough to make a national team? Or is Mathias’s success a once-in-a-lifetime anomaly? And what does his story say about the potential hidden within all of us? Let’s debate—drop your thoughts in the comments below!
