Jim De Paoli

Jim de Paoli is a leading figure in the sport of Ice Cross and one of the most successful Swiss athletes in this extreme discipline. Native of Geneva, he has distinguished himself by his prowess in prestigious competitions such as Red Bull Crashed Ice. Renowned for his skill and determination on the ice, Jim has won several international podiums, confirming his status as a leader among competitors in The Ice Cross, a discipline that combines high-speed skating and technical challenges on icy tracks. Describing himself as an ‘Adrenaline Junkie’, Jim doesn't just take part: he embodies the essence of this spectacular sport, constantly pushing his limits and exploring new horizons. Beyond his career as an athlete, Jim is actively involved in the development of his sport. As a member of the board of the Swiss Ice Cross Association, he plays a key role in promoting the discipline in Switzerland, working closely with other enthusiasts to structure and popularise Ice Cross. Alpina Watches brand ambassador since 2018, he combines his image as an elite sportsman with initiatives to extend the influence of the Ice Cross. His contribution to the organisation of the 2024 Ice Cross event in Val Thorens was decisive, bringing his expertise and energy to ensure the success of this competition in the famous alpine resort. Jim de Paoli is more than just an athlete: he is a true ambassador for Ice Cross, a symbol of excellence, passion and self-transcendence.

 

Follow on Instagram

@jimdepaoli

Birthyear

1988

Alpina Ambassador since

2021

Lives In

Switzerland

 
 

Questions for Jim De Paoli

What motivates you every day to excel?

Even though it's sometimes hard to find the motivation to keep training and keep pushing yourself, the simple fact of seeing a photo or video of a good memory from a competition or event (a podium, a magical place where we had a race) is enough for me to work hard enough to maybe relive one of those great moments.


What is your best sporting memory?

I have so many good memories of my sport, but if I had to pick just one, it would be my 6th place in Munich in 2011. The result itself isn't incredible, but the feeling I got from it was just incredible. It was my first top 8 finish of my career (a semi-final), and with that ranking I was able to break into the world's top 10 and stay there for over 15 years.


What message would you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps?

My advice to young people who want to take up Ice Cross would be to skate as much as possible, in any form. Play ice hockey, rollerblade on a pump track, or even take a rollerblade ride around town. Just skating in different environments is great preparation for our sport.


If you had to keep just 4 of the brand's products, which would you choose?

If I had to keep only 4 Alpina models, it would be the Alpiner Extreme Automatique (my favourite), the Startimer Heritage (for a classy evening out), the Alpiner Skeleton (which I don't have, yet), and the first model I owned, the Alpiner 4 GMT Business.