Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Dante LaBella

Delaney Barbee fine-tunes her technique at the Anthem pool, preparing for her next big competition.

In the world of competitive swimming, records are made to be broken. But for 15-year-old Delaney Barbee of Anthem, it’s not just about shattering time records — it’s about making history.

This summer, Delaney became the first swimmer to represent the Arizona Dolphins at the Olympic trials while still a member of the team. In the Dolphins’ 25-year history, this feat stands unmatched, marking a new era for the Anthem-based swim club.

“It’s awesome to represent the team that I started on when I was a little kid learning the strokes, to now competing at the fastest meet in the world,” Delaney says, her pride evident. “I hope my teammates and the younger kids on my team can look up to me in a way to see that if they keep working, they can achieve their goals, too.”

Delaney’s journey to the Olympic trials began far from the pool. At age 9, a broken arm from gymnastics led her mother to suggest swimming as an alternative. What started as a casual foray into a new sport quickly revealed an innate talent.

“When Delaney was 8 or 9, she broke her arm at gymnastics,” recalls her father, Mark Barbee. “This led us to encourage her to try a recreational swim program, where she excelled. It was clear to her mom, Libby, and me that she had a natural comfort in the water and was making rapid progress.”

That natural comfort has since transformed into a formidable competitive edge. As a freshman at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem last fall, Delaney clinched three Division I state championships in individual events, contributing significantly to Boulder Creek’s third-place finish in the overall state rankings.

This summer, Anthem’s own Delaney Barbee took her mark at the Olympic trials, competing against the nation’s top swimmers. // Photo Courtesy of Delaney Barbee

But it was on May 24 of this year that Delaney truly made waves, qualifying for the Olympic trials. The trials, held in June at a converted Colts stadium in Indianapolis, saw Delaney compete on June 22 in the 50-meter freestyle event. She placed 70th out of 79 competitors.

“Being in that environment the days leading up to my race definitely made me excited,” Delaney reflects. “The day of my race, I was nervous but mostly excited to race in such a cool venue with the fastest swimmers in the country and world.”

Her father echoes this sentiment, describing the electrifying atmosphere at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electrifying,” he explains. “The evening sessions featured bright lights, loud music and energetic emcees to pump up the crowd. It’s an understatement to say that the energy was palpable.”

Behind Delaney’s success lies a rigorous training regimen.

“I swim eight times a week for a total of 14 hours, so I do double practices Tuesdays and Thursdays,” she explains.

This dedication, combined with her natural talent, sets her apart in the pool. Paul Root, head coach of the Arizona Dolphins, attests to Delaney’s unique abilities.

Delaney Barbee slices through the water during a training session with the Arizona Dolphins, where her Olympic dreams take shape daily.

“Delaney has an exceptional feel for the water; she moves very well through it,” Root says. “She’s also an extremely powerful athlete, which makes her close to unbeatable in a 50-yard freestyle.”

However, Root emphasizes that Delaney’s greatest strength lies beyond her physical capabilities.

“She wants to be great and has had great opportunities to see what that takes,” he explains. “While doing so, she hasn’t lost sight of who she is away from the sport.”

Indeed, Delaney’s life extends far beyond the pool. As a home-schooled student, she enjoys a flexible schedule that allows her to balance her rigorous training with her studies and social life.

“School only takes a few hours for me, so I can prioritize rest and recovery and make sure I fuel my body properly before and after practice,” Delaney says. “I’m also very involved with my church, CCV Anthem, and I’m almost always with friends when I’m not at practice or a meet.”

This balance is crucial, not just for Delaney’s personal growth, but for her athletic performance as well.

“I try not to put too much pressure on myself because swimming is something I do, not who I am,” she explains, demonstrating a maturity beyond her years.

As Delaney sets her sights on future goals, including a spot on the U.S. National Team and competing at the Olympics, her recent experience at the trials has only fueled her ambition.

“Qualifying for the trials is a huge milestone for me,” she says. “Being at trials, I know I’m definitely on the right path to reach that goal.”

As Anthem cheers on its homegrown champion, Delaney continues to prove that with dedication, balance and a supportive community, even the biggest dreams can become a reality. From the local pools of Anthem to the grand stages of national competitions, Delaney is not just making waves — she’s creating ripples of inspiration that extend far beyond the water’s edge.