Swimming’s Most Unique Stroke? The Reasoning Behind Top Breaststrokers’ Similarities, Differences
When Van Mathias swims breaststroke, the pool is silent. The 25-year-old, who has broken American records in the 50 breaststroke and 100 breaststroke this year, glides through the water with ease, no motion wasted, lifting his head no more than an inch above the water. It looks like he’s barely trying, yet he’s moving faster than almost anyone in the world.
“There’s such a fine line between power and drag,” Mathias said. “I just try to stay on top of the water, and keep my hips high.”…