Paralympians return to Utah from Bejing
Mar 15, 2022, 2:04 PM | Updated: 3:34 pm
Supporters gathered to cheer on Paralympians as they arrive in Salt Lake. Photo credit: Lindsay Aerts
SALT LAKE CITY — Over a hundred Paralympians flew into Salt Lake today on their way home from the games in Bejing.
Dozens of friends and family chanted, “USA” as athletes walked through the double doors at Salt Lake International Airport.
Among them, members of the USA Men’s sled hockey team who won gold.
“Such an incredible honor to represent Team USA,” said team forward Decklyn Farmer, who scored six goals. “With everything going on in the world too, we played a great team game, team tournament, and I’m so proud of the guys.”
Jen Lee is the team’s goalie. He shared how friends supported them with watch parties in Park City.
It’s a real gold medal! Jen Lee is the goalie for the US men’s sled hockey team! @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/jF0H1ihFnl
— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) March 15, 2022
“It didn’t really bother us mentally,” said Lee. “We kind of knew that our support and families would be here in Utah kind of watching us and supporting us.”
Utah had nine athletes return home on today’s flight, according to a Delta official. Delta charted today’s flight home from Bejing for 110 total athletes and as many as 40 coaches and staff.
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