Boys Swim/Dive: Max Barnes continues family tradition

By KUSH GREWAL

Long before he became one of the fastest swimmers at Penn, Max Barnes was already in the water.

“I started swimming when I was in elementary school,” Barnes said. “I was interested in the sport because my parents both swam in college, making me, by default, a swimmer.”

What began as something passed down through family quickly turned into something more. Over time, early mornings, long practices, and countless laps helped shape him into one of Penn’s top competitors.

His breakthrough moment came during his sophomore year.

“I realized I was one of Penn’s fastest when I was able to compete and score points for the team at state,” he said.

That experience proved he could compete at a high level—and it pushed him to keep improving.

This season, all that work paid off in a big way. At the state meet, he delivered the best performance of his career.

“My proudest race so far would have to be my 200 (individual medley) at state this year,” he said. “It was really something special to break that school record.”

His teammates have noticed the impact he’s made in and out of the pool.

“He’s one of the hardest workers on the team,” teammate Josh Brown said. “You can tell he puts in the effort every day, and it really shows when he races.”

Moments like that don’t just happen. Behind the scenes, success comes from discipline, especially outside the pool.

“I try to keep my sleep schedule pretty consistent, which I feel has a major impact on what I am able to do in the water,” he said.

That focus and commitment continue to drive him forward as he looks ahead to next season.

“Next year my goals would be to win a few events at state as a team and win some individually,” he said.

From a childhood shaped by family influence to breaking records at state, his journey is still unfolding. And if this season is any sign, he’s only getting faster.