After only one month of training, Declan Farmer made his Para canoe World Cup debut in July 202621 Jul 2026Imagen
Farmer is a four-time Paralympic gold medallist in Para ice hockey
ⒸICF
By ICF and IPC
After two decades competing on the ice, USA Para ice hockey star Declan Farmer has turned his attention to a new challenge, making his competitive debut in Para canoe.
The four-time Paralympic champion made his Para canoe World Cup debut in Montreal, Canada, in July 2026, having spent just one month preparing for competition.
“It feels good to get the first one out of the way,” Farmer told the ICF after his debut race. “I’ve been doing the same sport for 20 years so it’s been a humbling experience to do something new and come last in the race.
“I think this week of racing is about gaining experience so it’s fun.”
Farmer was joined in Montreal by fellow USA Para ice hockey player Jack Wallace, who has been involved in Para canoe since 2019.
From ice to water
Farmer is one of the most decorated athletes in Para ice hockey. Since making his Paralympic debut at Sochi 2014, he has helped the United States capture four Paralympic gold medals.
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, Farmer was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after finishing as the leading scorer. More recently, he was honoured with the ESPYS award for Best Athlete with a Disability.
Following Milano Cortina 2026, Farmer was eager to continue competing at the highest level. Inspiration for a new sporting journey came from a familiar source.
“My teammate Jack Wallace picked up Para canoe a few years, and his hockey game actually got a lot better from the cross-training elements of it, so that was a big motivation for me,” Farmer said.
“It’s a fun challenge mentally to race as well.”
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Becoming a dual sport athlete
Farmer and Wallace are now targeting qualification for the LA28 Paralympic Games, where Para canoe competition will take place on home soil in the United States.
The 28-year-old believes the transition to a new sport presents a unique set of demands, even with his extensive Paralympic experience.
“(In Para canoe) you’re racing in a 40 to 45 second sprint where you can’t make little mistakes,” he said. “In hockey, it’s a team game, it’s a long game so you can make up for mistakes, but here you have to be dialled in.
“I think it’s a different kind of challenge.”
While the competition itself differs significantly, Farmer sees many similarities between the two sports when it comes to training and preparation.
“I think the off-water/off-ice training is quite similar. You’re using a lot of the same muscles. I think the preparation and mentality are the same too.”
With just over two years remaining until the LA28 Paralympic Games, Farmer is embracing the challenge of becoming a Paralympian in both summer and winter sport.
“I’m not too sure what the future looks like, but the goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles for sure,” he said.
“I’ve got a long way to go, but if I keep improving, then I’m happy.”
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