TAMPA, Fla. -- (NEXSTAR) -- Declan Farmer is competing for his fourth Paralympic gold medal with Team USA as he continues to make an impact in sled hockey. The 24-year-old athlete from Tampa was born without legs and discovered sled hockey at the age of 8. Supported by his parents, Matt and Patty Farmer, Declan has participated in three previous Paralympic Games, where he made his mark in the sport. "Declan wanted to be part of something bigger than himself because he was always competitive and he always wanted to be on a team," Patty Farmer, Declan's mother, said. Declan's journey in sports began at an early age, as he was naturally athletic. His family sought various sports to help him find the right fit. After discovering sled hockey, he quickly embraced the sport, which has become a significant part of his life. Declan's parents, Matt and Patty, play a crucial role in his athletic career. They have supported him through his challenges and triumphs, ensuring he has the opportunities to excel in sled hockey and compete at the highest levels. Sled hockey is a fast-paced, physical sport that requires skill and strategy. Declan is not only passionate about playing but also advocates for the sport, hoping to elevate its profile and attract more fans. He wants to show how competitive and exhilarating sled hockey can be. "Declan wants people to see him first as an athlete and he wants them to know about sled hockey. how fast it is, how physical it is and he wants people to gall in love with the sport," Patty said. As Declan prepares to compete in his fourth Paralympic Games, fans are eager to see how he will perform. He aims to leave a lasting impression, not only as an athlete but as a representative of the sled hockey community. "He's so dominant out there. It's obviously a completely different sport than stand-up hockey but to see the Wayne Gretzy of this sport, it's fun to watch the level of domination," Ronan Farmer, Declan's brother, said. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by Nexstar. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by Nexstar staff before being published