Proud Paralympian Declan Farmer extends his record‑setting legacy

Declan Farmer’s love for Para ice hockey is skin-deep.

Tattooed on his right thigh is an Agitos symbol surrounded by olive branches, a permanent reminder of the Paralympic journey that has shaped his life.

“Over time you mature and realise the amount of pride you have in being a Paralympian,” Farmer said. “So, I wanted to represent the Agitos in that way.”

For Team USA’s Para ice hockey star forward, that pride now carries into his pursuit of a fourth straight gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

“There’s high expectations for Team USA,” Farmer said. “The only thing we can control is how prepared we are.”

At Milano Cortina 2026, Farmer has already added another milestone, becoming all‑time leading point scorer at Paralympic Winter Games with 58 points. His third hat trick in as many games came in the win over China.

Farmer was introduced to Para ice hockey at age 8 during a clinic hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Before finding the sport, he played football, baseball and even sailed while growing up in Florida.

By age 12, Farmer was attending USA Hockey youth camps and soon earned a spot on the national team.

“I was a really competitive kid,” said Farmer. “I knew early on that I wanted to be the best at sled hockey.”

Rewriting the history books. 🐐

At 28 years old, Declan Farmer sets the record for most all-time points in the history of the #WinterParalympics. pic.twitter.com/oSdZuclgyl

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) March 10, 2026

Eyeing a fourth gold

He has since gone three-for-three in Paralympic gold medals, winning titles at the Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Games. Despite his resume, Farmer embraces the pressure of pursuing a fourth consecutive title – especially for his teammates.

“There are guys on our team who don’t have any medals,” he said. “So, we’re not resting on past success. We want to earn it again.”

Every Paralympic Games, he said, carries its own emotional weight.

“Each successive Games means more to me,” Farmer said. “You’re pouring more of your life and time into the game you love.”

Milano Cortina is especially meaningful because it marks the first time since 2018 that friends and family are in attendance, after COVID-19 restrictions kept fans away in Beijing.

“I’m motivated to play in front of my family again,” said Farmer.

On the ice, Farmer is known for his versatility and ambidextrous shooting ability. He describes his game as balanced, with much of his scoring coming near the net.

“I don’t necessarily need to be a sniper,” Farmer said. “I try to make the most intelligent play.”

Off the ice, Farmer recently entered a new chapter of life, marrying his wife, Madison, in 2025. Family and relationships remain central to his identity.

Now living in Colorado, Farmer spends much of his free time outdoors, hiking, biking, camping, and skiing. He also enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy novels.

But after the Games, his priorities are simple.

“I’m getting back home to see our dog, Winston.”

Fast facts

Most useful superpower for Para ice hockey players: Super strength or 360-degree vision
Teammate Farmer would trust with a secret: Brody Roybal
Favorite book series: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin