Canada’s first-ever coachbuilder with Down syndrome inspires others

Canada’s first ever bodybuilder with Down syndrome – who was born with several holes in his heart – has inspired other people with disabilities to embark on their training journey.

Kyle Landi, 23, is a bodybuilder, aspiring model and actor, from Milton, Ontario, Canada, who struggled with his confidence growing up.

He had a complete mindset shift after he was just six years old lifting weights, and at age 12 he joined his first gym and has never looked back.

Kyle’s father, Joseph Dominie, a Nova Scotia police officer, has supported his son every step of his amazing journey.

Joseph said Kyle has inspired others with disabilities to exercise, adding that they receive “thousands” of social media messages.

Fast forward to the present day, and he’s set his sights on competing in 2024 as well as earning his first black belt in karate.

He said, “Kyle started training at the age of six — maybe seven years old — with his mother in our basement.

“When he was 12, my wife Kimberly and I got him his first gym membership, and we’ve been training together ever since.

“Training has improved Kyle’s confidence, vitality and quality of life and enhanced his communication skills.

“Prior to bodybuilding, Kyle used to walk with his head down in a lanky stance.

“Today he behaves differently. He is modest but very confident in himself, and his mentality is that of a champion.

“Today he walks with his chest up, shoulders back and chin up. This would not be possible without bodybuilding.

Kyle’s plan for the future is to compete in 2024 and earn his black belt in karate. He’s aiming for a career in modeling and acting.”

When he was only six years old he started training and at twelve he joined his first gym and has never looked back (now in the picture)

Kyle has set his sights on competing in 2024 and also earning his first black belt in karate. Pictured: Kyle with world record powerlifter, Larry Wheels

Kyle was born prematurely with several holes in his heart. His father, Joseph, said he had a “poor chance” of surviving

Joseph said, “On social media, we received literally hundreds — if not thousands — of messages informing us that because of Kyle, the senders had begun training.

“Because of Kyle, people train with disabilities in their lives and want to be like him too.

Kyle was born prematurely with several holes in his heart. His father said he had a “poor chance” of surviving.

But Kyle held out for nine months until he could have surgery to repair the holes in his heart.

Joseph added, “Kyle’s work ethic inspires everyone around him to work harder. His personality inspires everyone who meets him to become a better version of themselves.

Joseph said Kyle has received “thousands” of messages online about how he has inspired other people with disabilities to begin their training journey. Pictured: Kyle with American bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman

One of Kyle’s accomplishments includes saving another student’s life at school. They had a seizure and Kyle went to get help and told teachers to call 911

Kyle used to walk around ‘slung and head down’, but he’s found confidence since he started training

Kyle is currently a red belt in karate – but hopes to become a black belt – and recently became Canada’s first and only bodybuilder with Down syndrome

“He is a positive role model who leads by example and holds himself to a high level of performance both in and out of the gym.

“Kyle accomplished a lot, like saving the life of a student who had a seizure at school.

‘The student was disabled and they were the only two people present. Kyle ran to get help and told the teachers to call 911.

“Kyle is a red belt black stripe in karate and recently became Canada’s first and only bodybuilder with Down syndrome.”