NAC Masters: Getting to Know Elizabeth Trinkler

NAC Masters

Elizabeth Trinkler

Tell us a little about yourself and your life here in Nashville.

I was born and raised here in Nashville and I have lived here my whole life. I’ve been involved in sports since I got a football uniform when I was five years old and then golf clubs at six. 

How did you get involved with Swimming? NAC? How long have you been swimming?

I learned to swim when I was four years old and went off the “high board” at Hillwood CC at five. I never did swim team or swim as a sport until I did my first triathlon at 28. NAC has great coaches and lots of practice times to choose from.  The Sportsplex is also very convenient for me. 

What about your family? How did you end up here in Nashville.

I was an only child but married at 19 and have two sons and three grandchildren. I’ve been a widow for 15 years. 
 

I understand you have an interesting home?

I live in a tiny house, 250 sq. I love it. I travel as much as I can and enjoy spending my time “doing”, and not cleaning, repairing or collecting. I have just what I need and my kids won’t ever have to sort through a bunch of stuff they don’t want! 

Have you swum in meets?  What are your goals? 

I enjoy competing and have had a goal of making a National Qualifying time since my 30’s. I always said if I just didn’t get any slower and got older (didn’t die!), I might have a chance one day. That chance came recently when I qualified in the 200 Breaststroke!!  
 

What makes you get up in the morning (or lunchtime) and swim?

I realize my day will be better if I get up and get moving. I’m so grateful that at my age I can still do all the things I love.  I don’t want to waste a day or take anything for granted. 
 

How does Ashley help you swim? Your motivation?

She’s always upbeat and supportive of whatever you’re working towards. She helped me achieve that qualifying time and will support and push me to achieve other goals in the future. She just might be as crazy a “sportsaholic” as I am! 
 

What brings you joy?

Living my life fully, challenging myself, and helping others do the same. I always look for a way to say “yes!”

Anything else I may have missed?

I owned and operated a business for 20 years but am now retired although I’ve been teaching yoga for nine years and teach several classes a week.