Born Premature With Multiple Holes in His Heart, Bodybuilding Enigma With Down Syndrome Recalls Overcoming Horrifying Past: “Daily Challenges Most Cannot Imagine”

Kyle Landi had to defy too many odds before becoming the first Canadian Down’s Syndrome bodybuilder. The 23-year-old bodybuilding enigma has gained massive respect from the community for his integrity in lifting weights. However, the journey so far wasn’t an easy one. 

In a recent Instagram post, Landi opened up about the health struggles and challenges he had to overcome and how life isn’t easy for him, unlike his peers.

The critical case of Kyle Landi

Landi was born with a congenital condition that could have cost him his life at a very young age. He was born six weeks premature, weighing around 6 lbs, and with multiple holes in the heart. However, the brave baby held strong amongst bleak chances of survival. As a 9-month-old, Landi had to undergo open heart surgery to fix his congenital condition. He was weighing around 12 lbs.

Diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, life was not easy for the bodybuilding champion. But he navigated the tough times with the affection from his mom and stepdad. The post acclaims Kyle Landi for his patience and perseverance in trying times as “he faces daily challenges most cannot imagine.”

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He first started lifting weights as a child when he would follow his mom, Kimberly Murphy, to the basement and mimic her workout routine. Impressed by his tactics, his mom brought weight sets, and Landi’s love for training blossomed soon after. However, the decision to pursue professional bodybuilding came much later in life.

The passion for bodybuilding

Kyle Landi joined the gym at 12, but until 2022 Mr. Olympia, the young man was not clear about pursuing bodybuilding as a career. But something fascinating happened at last year’s Mr. Olympia expo. Landi and his stepdad, Joe Dominie, visited the event in Las Vegas when the 23-year-old was intrigued by the pull-up booth.

Even before his father could command him to hop onto the machine, excited Landi started doing chin-ups. A few weeks after the incident, Landi announced that he would pursue professional bodybuilding. He guest-posed at the Arnold Classic and flexed alongside Nick Walker during the Pure Muscle Championships.

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Dominie underscores how the sport has positively impacted Kyle Landi. He is more confident and has high self-esteem. Above all, he is an example of inclusivity, which the bodybuilding sport offers. As Kyle Landi is gearing up for the next year’s competitive season, we can wish him good luck with his game.