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The Vatev brothers win consecutive events to help the Red Devils win the state title
Matthew and Luke Vatev have experienced a lot of spectacular accomplishments together during their swimming careers.
The Hinsdale Central brothers have been on state-championship teams and comprised half of the 200-yard medley relay team that set a national record in 2025.
But one of the most unique events happened to them during the 2026 state swim meet on Feb. 28 at the Natatorium in Westmont.
They won back-to-back individual state titles.
Luke, a junior, hit the pool and won the 100 backstroke in 46.17 seconds.
Matt Vatev shows his winning form in the 100 breaststroke event at the state swim meet in February.
Matthew, a senior, was up in the next event – the 100 breaststroke.
“Seeing him with the 100 back in pretty distinguished fashion was really fun,” Matthew said of Luke. “I had to follow in his footsteps and get my own title. There was a little bit of pressure, but I just wanted to have some fun. I got the state record (:52.83 in the preliminaries the night before) and I was just having fun (in the finals) to go in and win an event.”
And he did. His :53.47 was a full second faster than runner-up Noah Chen of Glenbrook South for the title.
By the way, the brothers helped Brandon Suliga and Teddy Chase win the 200 freestyle relay before their races (in 1:20.23) and the 400 freestyle relay (2:58.41) after their twin wins to put the finishing touches on the Red Devils’ fourth straight state title.
So, that was four straight events to close the meet that at least one Vatev was a champion.
Luke is coming back next season, but Matthew is heading to swim in college at Penn.
Luke Vatev gives the thumbs-up sign after a win in the IHSA state swim meet.
“It became real that it was our last meet together on this high school team,” said Luke, who has a verbal commitment to Stanford. “It was truly a remarkable experience swimming with him. He’s such a great leader. He stepped up in the state meet and swam some incredible races. His 100 breast was so electric. I’m going to miss him next year but I’m grateful for this to have happened.”
Matthew is ready to take his career to the next level as he will join former Red Devil teammates Jeffrey Hou and Henry Guo. But there will be a void swimming without his brother.
“It’s very incredible and very amazing and truly the best blessing that I could ask for,” Matthew said. “Having a training partner during my club and high school career and being with him every day in and out of the pool is really fun. We push each other in the pool and to be accountable. You really couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
Central coach Bob Barber has been pleased with having the Vatev brothers on his team.
“I don’t think we have enough time to talk about those two boys,” Barber said. “Their commitment to the sport and being the best that they can be has been really hard to match. They have helped take our team to another level. They are very in tune with their bodies and these guys help me write my lineups and their approach on things and they want to see everyone on the team be the best they can be.”
The Red Devils won the state title with 251 points with Marmion coming in second with 214. That meant another post-meet dip in the pool for the Red Devils.
Barber is so used to it that he is prepared.
“I’m not one who likes to count their chickens before they are hatched,” he said. “But it’s hard not to walk out of the house with a second set of clothes knowing that you might have a chance.”
Next year, Zander Vatev will make his debut for the Red Devils as a freshman.
Luke will take him under his wing.
“He’s working on it, but he’s going to be great,” Luke said.
Hinsdale Central’s boys swimming team celebrates its fourth straight state championship with a post-meet dip in the pool.
