Timothy Cimmer’s journey into ice cross is an inspiring tale of determination and passion. Starting hockey at the young age of 7 in Canada, he quickly became one of the fastest skaters, amassing over 300 points. His early career saw him playing alongside notable players like Wade Belak, Blair Atcheynum, and Ryan Smyth, with Wayne Gretzky as his idol. A memorable moment in his life was meeting Wayne and Walter Gretzky in Ontario, receiving a private tour of Walter’s house, and being gifted some of Walter’s private collection.
As Cimmer progressed in his career, he played for a national team in Australia, earning 30 gold and silver medals in various tournaments and excelling as both a center and left wing. His speed and agility were remarkable, often outperforming even professional players.
Cimmer’s venture into ice cross began after watching a tryout on TV and being selected for the Red Bull Ice Cross tournament. Although he faced challenges, such as failing his first tryout due to difficulties with jumps and balance, he persevered. Despite a knee injury, he completed the course with the help of a rope and determined practice.
In 2011, he tried out again in Switzerland, becoming the first Canadian to participate. Although he initially struggled with jumps, he improved significantly, moving from 300th to 101st in the world rankings, eventually reaching 35th place.
When Red Bull discontinued their Ice Cross events, Cimmer started his own league in Finland in 2014. This initiative led to the sport’s registration in the European Union. Despite Red Bull later incorporating some of his ideas without proper credit, Cimmer continued to promote the sport, even attempting to register it as an Olympic sport in 2014.
Cimmer faced numerous challenges, including a severe accident and personal losses. However, his resilience saw him form other companies and continue to support ice cross, organizing events and fostering a supportive community around the sport. His legacy in ice cross remains significant, driven by his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.