Social Kick

Author: Social Kick

The Social Kick Podcast dives into the world of swimming from Olympic legends to everyday athletes.Authentic, funny, and insightful conversations that bring the swim community together. Hosted by swimmers, for swimmers.
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Language: en

Genres: Health & Fitness, Sports, Swimming

Contact email: Get it

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iTunes ID: Get it

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Van Mathias on Sprint Swimming, Heavy Lifting & Balancing a Full-Time Job | Episode 301
Episode 300
Friday, 5 June, 2026

How does a 200 Butterfly and IM swimmer completely reinvent himself to become the American Record holder in the 50 Breaststroke? In this episode of Social Kick, we sit down with sprint powerhouse Van Mathias to discuss his incredible and unconventional swimming journey. Van breaks down how stepping away from the pool to focus on heavy lifting (and bulking up to 235 lbs!) ultimately laid the foundation for his explosive sprint speed. We discuss his current training regimen at Indiana University, which defies traditional swimming volume. Van reveals how he hits career-best times on just 8,000 to 10,000 yards a week, utilizing intense resistance pulley training, high-lactate bursts, and almost zero "easy" swimming. He also opens up about the reality of balancing life as a professional swimmer with a full-time job, why changing his mindset was the real secret to dropping times, and exactly how he trims his iconic mustache for maximum hydrodynamics. If you're a swimmer wanting to transition into the sprint group or looking for fresh insights into high-intensity training, this episode is a must-listen!