The Boys Swimming and Diving team recently ended their season at Sectionals, hosted by Libertyville High School. With the team placing sixth overall, twin divers and team captains, Joshua and Simon Back, continue their season by qualifying for the State Championship. 

State will take place at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont on Friday. 

In the world of competitive diving, few stories are as inspiring as that of twin brothers Josh and Simon Back. The brothers have showcased incredible athletic abilities and an unbreakable sibling bond. Their journey from local competitions to state recognition highlights their hard work, dedication, and peer support.

At Sectionals, Simon Back placed second overall with a score of 486.00, while Joshua placed fourth with a score of 469.95. 

“Getting Simon and Josh to the State meet together has been a big goal of mine since their sophomore year,” Diving Coach Alex Glassman said. “No matter what the outcome is, Simon and Josh had been working extremely hard this season to get to this point and I couldn’t be more proud of them.” 

This is both the brothers second time qualifying for State diving, with Joshua competing back in 2023, and Simon in 2024. 

“I have worked very hard over the season and am very excited to be attending State. I am curious to see what place I get,” Simon Back said. 

Working hard is an understatement. With both of them competing 11 different dives this Friday, they have given practice their all throughout the season leading up to this point. 

Josh claims to feel very confident about State this time around.

“My dives have improved in difficulty and execution. It is my last year on the dive team and I am excited to go to State one last time,” Joshua Back said. 

“They’ve put in a lot of work, not just on the board, but also on creating a welcoming atmosphere for the new divers. I’m very happy with how they’ve done this season and can’t think of two divers who deserve it more,” Glassman said. 

The Backs have been on the diving team for all four years of their high school careers, and this time, they get to end the season at the State meet, together.