Bodybuilder with Down syndrome who nearly lost ability to walk sets GWR titles
When Canada’s Kyle Landi was 11 years old, he fractured his hip and it somehow went unnoticed by doctors for six weeks.
He was eventually rushed to emergency surgery and spent the following six months in a half body cast, unsure if he would ever walk again.
Despite the odds, Kyle regained his strength and became stronger than people ever thought was possible.
The now 26-year-old is Canada’s first competitive bodybuilder with Down syndrome, and as of this year, a five-time Guinness World Records title holder.
He told GWR: “I want people to know that my journey is about more than breaking records – it is about inspiring others to believe in themselves and showing the world what is possible.”
On 29 January, Kyle got his first taste of GWR glory in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, claiming two records in our II2 impairment category.
This is reserved for people with conditions which cause both ongoing substantial limitations to learning or adaptive behaviour, and have an additional impairment attached.
Kyle achieved the heaviest deadlift (male) (II2), hoisting up 117.38 kg (258 lb 12.8 oz) – akin to a giant panda!
The personal trainer also set the most weight deadlifted in one minute (male) (II2) – 1,044.07 kg (2,301 lb 12.8 oz) – which is equivalent to a concert grand piano.
Two months later, Kyle added three more titles to his collection.
Showcasing both his speed and strength, he recorded the:
- Most 20 m shuttle runs in one minute (male) (II2) – 11
- Most pull ups in one minute (male) (II2) – 23
- Most chin ups in one minute (male) (II2) –15.
Kyle shared that his experience becoming a five-time Guinness World Records title holder was “one of the happiest days” of his life.
At the time, he was five weeks into preparing for the Mindi O Show.
“It was extremely challenging for me because I was in a calorie deficit with my body fat low.
“These attempts put my bodybuilding future at risk because if I had injured myself, which many of us do, I would have lost my opportunity to compete at the Mindi O Show, Toronto Pro Show Qualifier, Arnold Classic and Arnold Classic UK. Not to mention I would not have set the world records.”
Kyle went on to win three gold medals and the Best Poser award at the bodybuilding competition.
His next goal is to “become the first athlete with an intellectual disability, or Down syndrome, to win an IFBB Pro Card”.
Read about more amazing feats of strength in our Sports and Fitness section.
Kyle is one of our lucky title holders who has secured a spot in Guinness World Records 2027, which is out now!
“I am joining a community of people who have pushed beyond limits and shown what is possible through hard work and dedication, giving me a sense of pride, belonging and recognition as someone who is inspiring others around the world.
“It will [prove that] having Down syndrome is not a barrier to achieving greatness,” he added.
In addition to having Down syndrome, Kyle was born six weeks early with an atrioventricular septal defect (a hole in his heart). At nine months old, he also underwent open heart surgery.
“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do,” he advised. “You decide. No one else.
“Just go and get started.”
Kyle began training when he was seven years old and took up bodybuilding at 23. He now trains five days a week, and his sessions focus on chest, back, legs, shoulders and arms.
The social media star has even trained with celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger (USA; b. Austria, 30 July 1947), who is the youngest Mr Olympia winner (23 years 65 days, as of 3 October 1970).
Alongside working as a waiter, personal trainer and influencer with 453,000 Instagram followers, Kyle has also founded a charity called Down2train with his parents.
“Down2train is focused on helping individuals with Down syndrome reach their full potential through fitness, confidence and community.
“Our mission is to break down barriers, change perceptions, and show the world that ability is greater than disability.”
Kyle explained: “I was born with Down syndrome, but I have never let that define my limits; through hard work, discipline and determination, I have been able to achieve things many people never thought was possible.
“My hope is that my story encourages others to dream bigger, work hard and understand that everyone has the ability to make a difference.”
Read about Kyle and more amazing record holders in Guinness World Records 2027 – on sale worldwide now!