Chapel Hill sophomore Tim Rinehart can solve a Rubik’s Cube faster than Usain Bolt can run 100 meters. In only 9.57 seconds, he can complete the puzzle.
Rinehart first started “cubing” in the summer of 2015 by looking online for video tutorials. He was unaware of the enthusiasm around Rubik’s Cubes, though he has now immersed himself within the community. “Cubing is one of the things that if you’ve never heard of it, you don’t really know anything about it,” Rinehart said. “Once you get into it, you start watching and learning more, getting advanced methods and cubes.”
He has participated in five cubing competitions around North Carolina since his start in August 2016, and two in other states. In September, Rinehart placed fourth in both the 3×3×3 standard and one-handed events, during a tournament at Virginia Tech.
A competition Rinehart went to in July boasted over 600 participants. There are no requirements to enter, yet nearly everyone there solved the standard cube in under 30 seconds.
“It’s a rewarding event, with a community that’s really accepting,” Rinehart said. “I like being competitive, and it’s also fun to show to people your official times. It’s fun to be there with other people with an unusual hobby.”
Along with cubing competitively, Rinehart also enjoys solving the puzzles in his spare time.
“Seeing his ability grow so fast is pretty cool. He sets new personal records every week,” junior and Rinehart’s bandmate Etan Mannelli said. “Tim can solve a Rubik’s Cube with one hand, while playing bass in our band, which is really impressive.”
Rinehart wants to teach other students how to solve a Rubik’s Cube, so he plans to form a Rubik’s Cube club at Chapel Hill High School next year.
Since he has been competing, he has amassed over one hundred cubes of different shapes and varieties.
