Sports
Rodrigo Trivino and High Performance in Masters Swimming
TNT Master head coach breaks down his training philosophy, team management, and athletic longevity over 40.
With multiple international titles and records, Rodrigo Trivino shares how he balances elite competition in the 40+ category with managing the TNT Master team and coaching swimmers.
Masters swimming goes far beyond staying active in adulthood: for those pursuing high performance, it demands methodological precision, mature effort management, and long-term consistency. Leading the TNT Master team, head coach and athlete Rodrigo Trivino has built one of Brazil's most accomplished records in the sport, boasting nine World Championship appearances, continental records, and the technical leadership of hundreds of swimmers.
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Late start and the foundation of athletic longevity
Unlike athletes who enter competitive club systems at an early age, Rodrigo's journey with structured training began unassumingly in childhood, gaining serious competitive traction only in young adulthood. This steady progression sustained his motivation over the years, preventing the psychological burnout often seen in younger swimmers.
For Rodrigo, decades of experience allow him to read bodily signals with great accuracy. The ability to distinguish standard physical fatigue from mental exhaustion—brought on by heavy work schedules and personal demands—has become the primary filter for calibrating daily training loads without risking injury.
Methodology and adapting strength training
In sprint events, dryland strength work is crucial to maintaining explosive power. However, implementing complex block periodization models common among open-division elite athletes often clashes with the demanding schedules and recovery limits of Masters swimmers.
The periodization used at TNT keeps strength components integrated across all phases of preparation through focused 45- to 60-minute sessions. The primary goal is to deliver precise mechanical stimulus that directly translates to the pool without overloading the athlete's joints.
Sports management and the active coach's role
Transitioning from instructor to program manager required broadening his scope. What began with a single lane and a handful of swimmers in São Paulo has grown into an established hub at Clube Aquático do Bosque, featuring on-site coaching with multiple trainers and remote consulting for pool, open water, and triathlon events.
Actively competing in the 40+ category—going head-to-head with top national and international contenders in backstroke and sprint events—helps him stay closely aligned with his athletes' challenges and goals. Leading by example validates the methodology, demonstrating that strict discipline is achievable even alongside demanding professional careers.
The engagement challenge in pool competitions
While open water events and aquatic marathons are growing rapidly with vibrant natural venues, conventional pool meets face structural hurdles and limited entertainment value for spectators. Modernizing race formats and utilizing well-equipped public sports complexes are crucial steps toward revitalizing traditional meets and drawing new participants.
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