From water to ice: Germany’s Reimann fulfilling Paralympic dream

For years, the Paralympic Games remained a case of so close yet so far for Leopold Reimanm.
Long before the German athlete found his place on the ice, he was chasing the same dream on water – competing in Para rowing and pushing through multiple qualification attempts for the Paralympics. 

Each campaign brought him close to his dream, but never enough to realise it.

“The Paralympic Games have been a long-term dream for me,” Reimann says. “After several attempts in different sports, knowing that it’s finally reality is very special.”

After missing out on qualification three times in rowing, the 29-year-from old Strausberg understood he needed a new path if he had to keep his Paralympic ambition alive. That decision led him somewhere unexpected – from water to ice.

From rowing to ice hockey

Switching to Para ice hockey meant starting again in an entirely different sport, with new skills to learn and new challenges to overcome.

“It was a bold step, but the right one,” he says. “Moving from water to ice was challenging, but it gave me new energy and motivation. I found a new sporting home in Para ice hockey.”

Further adding to his new-found love for Para ice hockey, Reimann said the sport gave him a new perspective. “It reignited my passion for high-performance sport.”

The transition was far from simple. The pace of the game, the technical demands of manoeuvring the sled and the shift from an individual sport to a team environment required patience and persistence.

“The speed of the game and adapting to a team sport were the biggest challenges,” he explains.

“After coming from an individual sport, learning to fully integrate into a team environment took time.”

Yet his strong background in rowing gave him an advantage. 

“Rowing gave me a strong physical foundation, especially in endurance and strength,” he says.

“Mentally, it taught me discipline, patience and how to deal with setbacks –qualities that are essential in ice hockey.”

That endurance now allows him to maintain a relentless pace on the ice.

“It helps me stay focused and composed even in the most intense moments of the game,” he says.

Our schedule for the final two days at @milanocortina26.

Bring it on! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/6gDcGnEzIl

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) March 13, 2026

Qualification

All the years of hard work and persistence finally paid off in Buffalo 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championships when Germany secured qualification for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. This meant the nation’s return to the Paralympic Games after two decades.

Certainly, the moment was overwhelming for any athlete; and it felt the same for Reimann.

“It was an emotional moment,” he admitted. “Relief, happiness and pride all came together. I immediately thought about the years of hard work, the setbacks and the near misses. Moments like that make everything worthwhile.”

At Milano Cortina 2026, Germany also managed their first win in 20 years beating Slovakia to face hosts Italy in the fifth-place game. 

“[It means] everything to represent Germany at the Paralympic Games,” Reimann says. “It’s a huge honour, and doing it in a country like Italy, with its passion for sport, makes it even more special.”

Work ethics and attitude 

Within the German squad, which comprise a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, he sees himself as someone who can lead through example.

“I try to lead through my work ethic and attitude,” Reimann says. “Sharing experience and supporting younger players is important to me.”

He believes the team has the capacity to reach new heights. 

“Team chemistry and belief are crucial at this level. In Buffalo we proved that we could perform under pressure and trust our game.”

Inspiring new players

Germany’s return to the Winter Paralympics after 20 years holds a special meaning for the team – they want to inspire the next generation of athletes at home.

“We have the chance to write a new chapter for Para ice hockey in Germany,” he says. “If we can inspire young players, that would mean a lot to me.”

After years of setbacks, the dream he chased for so long is finally within reach.

“We feel ready – physically and mentally,” he says. “And we will give everything to make our country proud.”

Fast Facts

Nickname: Leo
Favourite Italian food: Pizza and pasta
Favourite places in Italy: Milan and Sicily
Pre-Game ritual: Listening to calm music and visualisation
Hobbies: Strength training, spending time with friends/girlfriend/family and my dog