History. Hero. Heartache. Hope.
Every High Fives Athlete has a story. A story of where they came from, who inspired them, the challenges they’ve faced, and what keeps them moving forward.
At High Fives Foundation, we have a tradition of sharing our athletes’ stories through the 4 H’s: History, Hero, Heartache, and Hope. These four pillars offer a glimpse into the experiences that shape our athletes, reminding us that behind every life-changing injury is a person with a lifetime of adventures, relationships, and dreams.
Today, we’re sharing the story of High Fives Athlete #1064, Tim Sorensen, whose journey is one of adventure, loss, gratitude, and an unwavering love for the outdoors.
HISTORY | A Childhood Built on Adventure
Tim Sorensen grew up in Qualicum Beach, a small town on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. His childhood was filled with exploration, outdoor adventures, and a growing passion for action sports.
Alongside his older brother, Tim spent countless hours exploring the woods surrounding their home, only returning when the dinner bell called them back.
As teenagers, the brothers discovered mountain biking and snowboarding. They immersed themselves in magazines, movies, and the culture surrounding these sports, constantly pushing themselves to improve.
That passion never faded.
Whether riding bikes, camping, exploring new places, or simply spending time outside, Tim’s connection to the outdoors continues to be a defining part of who he is.
“I still love those things, getting outside, getting on a bike, exploring, camping. Having fun in the outdoors.”
HERO | Following in His Father’s Footsteps
For Tim, his greatest hero was his dad.
An outdoorsman, fisherman, coach, teacher, and hardworking father, Tim’s dad embodied the qualities he admired most.
“My dad was a great hero of mine growing up. He was an outdoorsman, fisherman, he’s a great dad, an all-around awesome guy.”
His father’s influence extended far beyond their shared love for the outdoors. He taught Tim the importance of hard work, showing up for others, and appreciating the life in front of you.
These lessons would become especially meaningful during one of the most challenging periods of Tim’s life.
HEARTACHE | A Year and a Day
Tim experienced two life-changing losses just over a year apart.
First, he lost his father.
Then, exactly one year and one day later, Tim survived an avalanche that resulted in the loss of his leg.
Navigating the grief of losing his dad was incredibly difficult. But through that experience, Tim had begun developing the emotional tools that would help him face another devastating loss.
One of the most powerful tools was gratitude.
“Losing my dad was a challenge, but it gave me some tools to be able to deal with the grief that came from the loss of my leg, including gratitude.”
Rather than allowing his injury to define what was no longer possible, Tim began focusing on what remained, his life, his family, his friends, and his ability to continue pursuing the activities he loves.
His story is a reminder that grief and gratitude can exist together, and that strength doesn’t always mean moving past hardship. Sometimes, it means learning how to carry it while continuing forward.
HOPE | Keep Chasing What You Love
For Tim, hope comes from many places.
It comes from the love of his family and friends. It comes from the opportunities to get outside, ride his bike, and experience adventure. And it comes from the incredible individuals within the amputee community who continue to challenge perceptions of what’s possible.
Seeing other amputees pursue their goals motivates Tim to keep pushing toward his own.
“Others within the amputee community also give me great hope, showing me that limitations can be challenged and encouraging me to chase after my own goals.”
But perhaps Tim’s most personal source of hope comes from the connection he continues to feel with his father.
Tim reflects on the extraordinary timing of his avalanche, believing that his dad was somehow looking out for him that day.
“I can’t help but think that exactly a year and a day after his passing, my dad was pleading for my life on the day that I lost my leg in the avalanche, and that gives me hope.”
Today, Tim continues to embrace the activities and adventures that have always brought him joy.
His motivation is simple: keep moving, keep exploring, and hopefully inspire someone else along the way.
“I’m motivated to keep on chasing it, keep on riding, keep on getting outside, keep on enjoying the life that I have, and hopefully inspire others in the process.”
More Than an Injury. More Than an Athlete.
At High Fives Foundation, we believe every athlete’s story deserves to be heard.
The 4 H’s tradition reminds us that our athletes are more than their injuries. They are adventurers, family members, friends, role models, and individuals whose experiences can inspire an entire community.
Tim Sorensen’s story demonstrates the power of gratitude, the lasting influence of those we love, and the hope that comes from continuing to pursue what makes us feel alive.
History. Hero. Heartache. Hope.
Four words. One powerful story.
High Five, Tim!
