In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff is joined by special guest host Lilly King for a conversation with one of swimming's most unexpected breakout stars, Van Mathias, the American record holder in the 50-meter breaststroke and Indiana University's Director of Operations.

Van's journey is anything but conventional. After stepping away from elite competition to begin his full-time career, he found himself drawn back to the pool with a completely different perspective. Now balancing a demanding job with training, he's redefining what it looks like to chase world-class performance while living a life outside of swimming. Van shares how working a full-time job has actually made him a better athlete, why he no longer feels pressure on race day, and how having something bigger than swimming has completely changed his mindset.

The conversation also explores Van's unconventional training philosophy, the evolution from distance swimmer to sprint specialist, and how he and his coaches are challenging traditional ideas about what it takes to become one of the fastest breaststrokers in the world. He discusses returning to the sport after two years away, embracing new methods in the weight room and pool, and why sprinting is less about who swims the fastest and more about who slows down the least.

Along the way, Van opens up about his loyalty to Indiana University, the culture that shaped him, the sacrifices required to pursue two careers at once, and why he believes he's been given an extra life in the sport. From balancing spreadsheets and swim meets to chasing an Olympic dream, his story is a reminder that success doesn't always follow a straight line.

Honest, funny, and refreshingly different, this episode offers a unique look at one of swimming's most compelling stories and the mindset behind an athlete who is rewriting the rules while keeping the joy of competition at the center of it all.
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