TRENT THEROUX
2013 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME
Trent’s first competitive swimming event was the mile swim as a Boy Scout in 1980 at the age of 12. His interest in the sport continued with open water swims and competition on the high school and college level. In 1985 at LaSalle Academy, under the coaching of Jim Quinn, he earned the Journal Bulletin Second Team All State status in the 200 Medley relay, 400 Freestyle relay, and 2nd team All Division in the 100 yard Backstroke.
At Providence College, under the coaching of John O’Neill, he was a finalist in the 200 backstroke at National Catholic Championships (1988) and the Big East Championship (1989). He presently competes in Masters. In 2012, he was All American on the 400 Medley Relay and 1st in New England in his age group for the 200 Backstroke, 9th in the nation. In 2002, Trent was in a serious boating accident in which the propellers severed all the major muscles on the left side of his back, carved out five pieces of his spine and temporarily paralyzed him. During his paralysis, Trent developed “the list”, ten items he was determined to accomplish in his life, starting with walking. Since that day he has completed two Ironman triathlons, multiple marathons, and swims 4 days a week. On the 10th year anniversary of the accident in 2012, Trent completed “Back to Block”, an 8-hour epic swim from Point Judith to Block Island. Trent swam the entire distance backstroke through 6-8 ‘ swells generated by Hurricane Leslie.
The event benefited RISE Above Paralysis, a non-profit dedicated to helping those with spinal cord injuries. Currently, Trent has raised nearly $50,000. This accomplishment earned Trent a certificate of special recognition from the United States House of Representatives. Trent and his wife Jennifer live in Barrington with their children Haley and Max.