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Published on 07/13/1998 All articles from this issue

84-year-old swimmer still making a splash

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By Scott Fernqvist

Town Crier Editorial Intern

Water is a home for fish and practically a second home for Los Altos resident Jim Triolo.

As a member of the Los Altos Masters Swim Program, Triolo was recently named Swimmer of the Year for both Los Altos Masters and Pacific Masters in his age group of 80-84.

"Being a Masters Swimmer is hard work, with enjoyment, some discipline, training and watching nutrition. A joy of swimming is also needed," Triolo said.

During the national competition for Masters Swimmers in Indianapolis on May 7, Triolo swam away with first place in the 1,000-meter freestyle (20:05.52) and took third in both the 100 and 200 backstroke.

"I thought he made tremendous improvements. He dropped his time by a minute and a half in the 1000 free," said Dick Thomas, a fellow Masters Swimmer who attended the competition.

Triolo qualified for the competition by swimming under a designated time in freestyle and backstroke throughout the year.

He developed his passion for swimming at age 5. Nearly 80 years later, that spark of enthusiasm is alive and well.

"I would like to swim for as long as I can. I have a lot of good role models like my former coach who swims in the 90-95 age group," he said. "In recent years there have been two swimmers over 100 and still swimming competitively."

Triolo's specialty stroke has always been freestyle. He was captain of his high school swim team, captain of the Stanford Swim Team and a competitor in the Junior National Swimming Championships in 1929.

"The highlight of my swimming career was winning first place in the 800 free at the championships," Triolo said.

Being an accomplished pool swimmer, it's hard to believe that for 25 years, Triolo only swam in open water. While living in La Jolla, the ocean beckoned him and consequently changed the way he would look at swimming.

Triolo competed in races along the Southern California coast, including the La Jolla Rough Water Swim. He raced with 1,500 other men and women and finished first in his age group on four occasions.

"I prefer ocean swimming to pools. You get a good psychological lift, just being out there with the fish and no chlorine. It's a beautiful feeling of freedom," Triolo said.

Those who know and swim with Triolo are in awe of his athletic ability and youthful vigor.

"His enthusiasm and energy is phenomenal - it's an inspiration. When I grow old I want to be just like him," Thomas said.

Triolo said he is motivated to swim by a desire to stay healthy and live "a quality life."

"At this point, my health and longevity motivate me to swim. Both of my parents died fairly young, at 51 and 60," Triolo said. "Swimming has prolonged my life."

Currently, Triolo swims every other day at Covington pool in Los Altos. His workout includes 500 meters of backstroke (20 laps) and 1000 meters of freestyle (40 laps).

"The compensation for the hard work is the good feeling after a workout," he said.

Triolo's next major competition is the Nike World Master's Championships Aug. 12-15. He expects to do well and said, "I'll place in the top three in most events I swim."