Born in Dongo on the shores of Lake Como, Emilio Trivini won a silver medal in the coxed fours at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In August of the same year, with the same Olympic crew, he won bronze at the European Championships in Amsterdam.
In addition to the Tokyo medal Trivini placed fourth in the coxed fours at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, just 50/100ths of a second from the bronze that was won by Switzerland. He was also Italian champion in 1957, 1962-65, and 1968. Trivini became a coach, working with the colors of Canottieri Aniene and Tirrenia Todaro. He was made an honorary member of the Italian Rowing Federation.