There’s no question Declan Farmer is a winner. The ice sled hockey player brought home gold from both the 2014 and 2018 Paralympic games. A bilateral amputee, Declan has played sled hockey since trying it out as a kid. “I was always a competitive kid but I really got the drive for sled hockey when I went to my first club tournament at 12 years old,” recalls Declan who was inspired when he met and saw Paralympic teammates play in person.
That’s around the same time Declan started working out at the South Tampa Family Y. “My family had a membership and my brother played basketball there for a long time,” shares Declan. “We were always there. I’ve been going there pretty consistently ever since.” In fact, you can find Declan on the wellness floor up to seven days a week, improving his strength and endurance. “I wouldn’t have been on the Paralympic team if I didn’t come work out at the Y. So, it feels good to have the support of the employees and the people who come to exercise,” says Declan.
Declan has plenty of options when it comes to weight training, but he chooses the Y. “It’s really awesome coming to the Y because everyone knows your name. You feel really welcome,” shares Declan. “It’s nice to come as a family with my mom and brother. I see employees that have been here since I started working out which is really cool.” That same staff follow Declan’s career and cheer him on along the way. “They’re always asking me how I’m doing and asking about my family.”
Y members often tell Declan how much he inspires them. “It feels good that I can provide inspiration to people even though it’s not what I’m trying to do,” says Declan who believes the Y can help kids reach their full potential. “If your parents take you to the Y or you have the opportunity to be at a Y, take advantage of their programs and resources to try to achieve your dreams,” advises Declan. “If you want to be really good at sports, take advantage of their gyms and weight rooms; and learn to be a part of a group by being in a community environment.”
Declan is now a junior majoring in economics at Princeton University. No matter where his career takes him, he says the Y will always hold a special place in his heart. “You’re trying to win a gold medal for yourself, your family, teammates and country but also for the community back home,” testifies Declan. “If you have their support, you want to come home with some success. It definitely feels good to have won a gold medal for the people at the Y too.”
Congratulations, Declan, for all your achievements! We’re proud you are part of our Y family!
Pictured above: Paralympic Gold Medalist Declan Farmer says his daily workouts at the South Tampa Y contribute to his success.
