Joe Patching has been a very reliable in-season swimmer for the Auburn men’s swimming team. Put him in any event, and he’ll do well. But the England-born Patching did more than “well” in Saturday’s dual meet against Alabama, winning two events in superb fashion.
After a fast 1:37.06 in the 200 free, Patching had the confidence to step up for his best event, the 200 backstroke, and set a standard for the rest of the nation to reach. His 1:43.66 is the fastest time done in the collegiate ranks this season, and it survived a chase by reigning NCAA champion Ryan Murphy later in the day, with Murphy “only” managing a 1:44.47.
The time is Patching’s fastest swim outside of an invitational, conference or NCAA championship meet. It’s still 3.5 seconds slower than his lifetime best, but perhaps this is the first step toward a sub-1:40 swim for the Auburn junior. He was knocking on the door of that barrier at the 2015 NCAA championships, but fell short with a 1:40.16.
We’ll see if Patching can stay consistent with his 200 back through the dual meet portion of the season, but for now, let’s celebrate Joe Patching earning the Swimming World Performance of the Week!