2026 U.S. Short Course World Championship Trials
MEN’S 50 BREASTSTROKE – Final
- World Record: 24.95, Emre Sakci (TUR) – 2021
American Record: 25.24, Van Mathias — 2026U.S. Open Record: 25.24, Van Mathias (USA) — 2026- Beijing ‘A’ Qualification Time: 26.25
Top 8 Finishers
- Van Mathias (ISC) — 25.21 **New American Record
- Finn Brooks (ISC) — 25.52
- Mitch Mason (TFA) — 26.09
- Brian Benzing (TUS) — 26.18
- Andy Dobrzanski (SULN) — 26.46
- Jake Wang (UN) — 26.99
- Kyle Falkstrom (UN) — 27.47
- Brandon Fischer (TRIV) — 27.43
Van Mathias lowered his own American Record in the men’s 50 breast, touching in a 25.21 in finals. That lowered his own mark of a 25.24 that he swam this morning in prelims. He also lowered the U.S. Open Record once again.
The American Record coming into today was a 25.38 set by Nic Fink back in 2022. The U.S. Open Record sat at a 25.52 set by Caspar Corbeau of the Netherlands in 2025.
Mathias entered the day with a lifetime best 26.02 that he swam last fall at the World Cup stop in Carmel, Indiana. He has had a strong meet this week in Westmont as he also set a new World Record in the men’s 100 breaststroke, touching in a 55.14 in the final.
With his time tonight, Mathias now holds the 2nd and 3rd fastest performances all-time in the SCM men’s 50 breast.
All-Time Top Performances, SCM Men’s 50 Breast
- Emre Sakci, 24.95 (2021)
- Van Mathias, 25.21 (2026)
- Van Mathias, 25.24 (2026)
- Cameron van der Burgh, 25.25 (2010)
- Emre Sakci, 25.29 (2020)
- Nic Fink, 25.38 (2022)
The 26 year old Mathias works full-time as Director of Operations for his alma mater, Indiana Swimming and Diving, while training at a pro. He also holds the American Records in both the long course 50 and 100 breaststroke events.
