Kyle Landi, a 23-year-old from Milton, Ontario, is a bodybuilder, aspiring model, and actor. Landi’s goals, determination, and success are especially inspiring because he was born prematurely with Down syndrome, and had several holes in his heart. Doctors said Kyle had a bleak chance of survival.
Today, Kyle is Canada’s first and only bodybuilder with Down syndrome. He has also earned his red belt with black stripe in karate, and is currently working towards his black belt.
Kyle’s father, Joseph Dominie, has been his son’s biggest support along his journey. He told the Daily Mail, “Kyle began training with his mum in our basement at the age of six… at the age of twelve, my wife Kimberly and I got him his first gym membership, and we have been training together ever since.”
Dominie continued, “Training has improved Kyle’s self-confidence, vitality, quality of life, and it’s improved his communication skills. Prior to bodybuilding, Kyle walked with a slouch with his head down. Today, he carries himself differently. He is humble but very confident in himself, and his mindset is that of a champion. Today, he walks chest up, shoulders back and with a chin high. This would not be possible without bodybuilding.”
In March 2023, Kyle was given a special invitation to appear on the big stage at the Arnold Classic 2023. He shared his performance on social media with caption, “Working on my best.” Kyle’s willingness to share his journey openly has encouraged countless others to pursue their dreams.
Dominie said, “On social media, we received literally hundreds – if not thousands – of messages informing us that because of Kyle, the senders started to train. Because of Kyle, people in their lives with disabilities are training and want to be like him too.”
He continued, “Kyle’s work ethic inspires everyone around him to work harder. His personality inspires anyone who meets him to be a better version of themselves.”
Kyle plans to participate in bodybuilding competitions in 2024, where he is sure to be a “positive role model who leads by example, holding himself to a high standard of performance in and out of the gym.”
