The event that has changed the least from 1912 to today is the swim. The only change is that modern pentathletes now have to swim only 200m as opposed to 300m when Patton competed.

Two months prior to the Stockholm Olympics, Patton and his family boarded the SS Finland for Europe. During the voyage Patton continued training vigorously.  For the swimming event, he swam stationary in the 20 ft. long pool by tying a anchored rope around his waist that left deep red marks on his sides. For his efforts, he finished seventh in the swim and was so tired when he finished that he had to be helped from the pool with a boathook.

(Photo courtesy of USMA Library)