In July 2026, Declan Farmer stepped onto the water in Montreal, Canada, for his first Para canoe World Cup race, just one month after picking up a paddle. The rapid debut surprised many, but the four‑time Paralympic gold medallist in ice hockey was eager to test himself in a new arena.
Farmer’s résumé reads like a Paralympic legend. He has helped the United States capture four gold medals in Para ice hockey, earned the MVP award at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, and was later honoured with the ESPYS award for Best Athlete with a Disability. Those accolades underscore the discipline that now fuels his canoe ambitions.
A Fellow Athlete’s Influence
Training alongside USA Para ice hockey teammate Jack Wallace, who has been paddling in canoe since 2019, gave Farmer a concrete reason to try the sport. Wallace’s own journey showed that the same work ethic and preparation that dominate on the ice can translate to the water.
Both athletes share a common goal: qualification for the LA28 Paralympic Games. The canoe events for those Games will be staged on home soil in Los Angeles, adding a layer of excitement and pressure for Farmer, who sees the transition as a chance to become a Paralympian in both summer and winter disciplines.
Farmer acknowledges that canoe demands a different set of physical and technical skills, yet he finds surprising overlap in training philosophy. ‘The preparation is surprisingly similar,’ he says, ‘and that makes the challenge even more rewarding.’ His ultimate aim is to stand on the podium in Los Angeles, proving that excellence knows no seasonal limits.