Former IU offensive tackle Phil Trinter played at IU from 1988-91, but after graduation his competitive spirit never died. The four-time letterman began sailing at the age of eight and took up racing in 1992. In addition to winning the 1993 Star World Championship and the 2003 Star North American Championship, Trinter won world championships in the 50-foot and Maxi boats. He also was involved in two campaigns for the America's Cup, a worldwide yachting competition that boasts the oldest trophy in international sports and competed in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Trials. More recently Trinter has been training over the summer in Athens for the upcoming 2004 summer Olympic Games.
Indiana Daily Student: You beat the defending Olympic champions in the Star class to earn a trip to Athens. Are you "going for the gold?"\nPhil Trinter: You bet I am going for the gold. At this stage in my sailing career, this is the best shot I will ever have.
IDS: Along with other athletes, you appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" to announce the "Top Ten" list, what was that like?\nPT: "The Letterman Show" was a great experience. It was great to meet and work with some of the best people in the business. It was also good to get some exposure for the sport of sailing.
IDS: The annual winds in Athens are stirring things up, and the Star class boat is difficult to handle in stormy seas. Are you concerned?\nPT: Not at all. We sail in trying conditions all over the world. The challenge here in Athens will be the shifty winds and the heat.
IDS: The Star calls for a skipper and crew who are big, fit and strong. At 6-foot, 220 pounds you're obviously big, so how do you keep yourself fit and strong? \nPT: Along with spending a lot of time on the water, I spend a couple of hours a day either in the gym or running. Conditioning will play a big part if the competition is windy.
IDS: Why is Star sailing said to be the most fun of the various classes of racing boats?\nPT: The Star draws the best competition from all over the world, which makes for the best racing in the world.
IDS: What did you learn from playing football at IU that has transferred to competitive sailing? \nPT: The thing I learned most from playing football at IU is that preparation is everything.
IDS: With Rolex as one of the sponsors of U.S. Sailing, do you get a watch to wear around? \nPT: Unfortunately, no!
IDS: You recently married an accomplished oarswoman. What do sailors and rowers have in common when it comes to boating?\nPT: The love for the water, being part of a team and the will to compete.
IDS: Do you ever have the desire to cruise around in a motorboat?\nPT: If I am not racing a sailboat, I prefer to be on a powerboat. You get to where you want to go a lot faster.
-- Contact staff writer Bill Meehan at wmeehan@indiana.edu.
