U.S. Short Course Trials: Van Mathias Still Wondering ‘Does the Van Makes the Mustache or the Mustache Makes the Van?”
When Van Mathias was warming up, fans were shouting toward him.
More wanted to talk about his mustache than his swimming.
But since Mathias grew his mustache, he has become one of the world’s best swimmers – not too long after thinking his career was over.
So does the Van make the mustache or does the mustache make the Van?
“That is the question we are still trying to figure out. I started out with this stache because I hated having a naked upper lip,” Mathias said. “I didn’t want to shave it for swimming.”
It has become a part of his persona. During the Pan Pacific Championships in August, fans were passing out mini mustaches on a stick.
“I think it’s fun. The crowd gets into it. My girlfriend likes it. So I think it is going to stay for a while” he said.
Well, you have to stick with what works.
The mustachioed Mathias broke the world record in the 100 breaststroke (SCM) Thursday, Oct. 29, at the USA Swimming Short Course World Championships Trials in Westmont, Illinois.
He had set the American record during prelims.
“We just wanted to come back faster on the second 50 tonight. Some of the details were still a little sloppy. I got caught up in the atmosphere of racing. I think there is more to clean up, but I am really happy with that swim,” he said.
It will definitely be something to talk about around the water cooler at work for the swimmer “on the side.”
“I have a busy couple of weeks in the office coming up. I am going to use that as a reset,” he said. “I am excited about Beijing, not putting too much pressure on myself.”
Mathias went a 55.14 and still has other events to go in Westmont.
“I am actually happy there will be a target on my back,” Van Mathias said. “It is not that different in meters, just a couple more strokes. Short course meters is a new adventure.”
