Sliding into his tenth season of Skeleton racing, WAIS scholarship holder Nick Timmings, is ready to make his Olympic debut at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games on Thursday morning.
In his own words he had, “nothing to lose,” when trying out for the Australian Bobsleigh Federation testing, many moons ago.
“They were going around to different states recruiting jumpers and sprinters within various athletics programs and I had heard about the testing through some potential bobsled athletes I was training with at the time. So, I jumped in and thought I may as well, turns out I was decent enough to be invited to a camp in America.
“It was fairly scary flying down the icy track for the first time, but at the same time you almost have no idea what just happened.”
After leaving Perth in October last year, Timmings had a successful season overseas, competing in various Olympic qualification competitions across Europe and North America, and walked away with his best season to date.
“I had a pretty good idea from the season I just had, that I would be in contention to qualify for the Olympics, but it was an amazing feeling being told the official news. I don’t think it has quite sunk in fully yet.”
With only seven minutes separating Timmings and his talented twin brother Dean, the pair have been a huge support network for one another as they have been battling it out for a qualifying spot in the Olympic side over the past few months.
“We both flew out at the same time in October last year and did the first couple of races together, it has always been healthy competition between us, we both push each other to be better sliders.
“It was really good having him here, someone to talk lines too, talk about the track and strategy, as well as being able to share accommodation and a car. Since he went home, I’ve been by myself which makes it tough.”
Four months on the road to date and it’s safe to say the Western Australian is missing the summer heat.
“There was a period where I was missing home, but I’ve been really busy which has been a good distraction. I’m definitely missing the warmth though… I am so white at the moment, have lost all my tan.”
The 31-year-old always had a goal of competing at the pinnacle event of his respective sport. Although this may have been a soccer World Cup back in the day, on the tenth of February, Timmings’ dream will become a reality as he slides down his first track of the games.
“Once we arrive in Beijing, there are two days which we call ‘track walks,’ where we look at the ice, corners and start to get a feel for it. Then training will start, where we will have five days before the first day of competition.
“I think one of the best parts of WAIS is having this unique environment around you and people that are all wanting to help you succeed. You don’t realise what you have until you come over here by yourself for weeks at a time.”
“My scholarship at WAIS and the team around me is so valuable, but I’ve got to say, the thing I’m missing most right now is regular physio.”
Outside of competing in a casual Olympic Games or two (fingers crossed), Timmings has completed a degree in Event and Sports Management as well as working part-time with Venues West in the venues operations department.
