• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
Bodybuilding

Inside The Mind of Kyle Landi: The First Canadian Bodybuilder With Down Syndrome | The Mike O’Hearn Show

by Derek Dufour Published on Mar 8, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Meet Kyle Landi – the down syndrome athlete who has been taking bodybuilding by storm

In the latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, host Mike O’Hearn delved into the remarkable story of Kyle Landi, the first Canadian with down syndrome to pursue bodybuilding. Kyle’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and breaking down barriers, all while challenging stereotypes surrounding disabilities and physical fitness.

Generation Iron is in the early stages of producing a documentary on the life story and bodybuilding journey of Kyle Landi. Beyond his dedication to lifting weights and building muscle – he has been traveling the country meeting with the biggest names in bodybuilding.

His story is proof that bodybuilding and fitness is truly universal and provides a framework to better succeed both in and out of the gym. After having trained together in the gym, Mike O’Hearn meets back up with Kyle Landi at the 2024 Arnold Classic to discuss Kyle’s origins in bodybuilding and his future plans. Let’s dive in!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kyle Landi (@greenrangerkyle)

Kyle’s Beginnings: Defying Expectations

Kyle Landi’s journey into bodybuilding started with a fundamental principle instilled by his parents – the refusal to treat him differently due to his down syndrome. From a young age, Kyle was raised with the same responsibilities and opportunities as his siblings, defying societal expectations that often underestimate individuals with disabilities.

His mother, Kimberly, also opens up about having faced criticism for allowing Kyle Landi the same freedoms as his peers. She notes that Kyle was not coddled due to having down syndrome – and in public this would occasionally bring her disapproving glances from other parents. However, it was this approach that set Kyle on a path to success.

Discovering Bodybuilding: A Passion Ignited

As Kyle reached adolescence, he sought out a recreational activity like his siblings, ultimately choosing weight training. Despite being the only person with down syndrome in the gym, Kyle’s dedication and passion for bodybuilding shone through.

Kimberly emphasized the importance of such activities for individuals with down syndrome, not only for physical health but also for social engagement. She notes that bodybuilding and weightlifting have done nothing but enrich Kyle’s life. It’s given him the structure he needs while also helping to find an active way to instill good health habits as he ages.

Breaking Barriers: The Power of Support

Mike O’Hearn highlighted the crucial role of parental support in Kyle Landi’s journey. Despite the apprehensions of some parents towards physical fitness for their children, Kyle’s father emphasized the necessity of pushing boundaries and setting ambitious goals.

Kyle’s family not only refuses to baby him, they also refuse to baby their other children who do not have down syndrome. They have always encouraged health and fitness in their children – better setting them up for success early.

Kyle’s step father, Joe, emphasized that in his experience, there are many parents in the world who didn’t have a good fitness or health routine themselves. Due to this, fitness and health is not valued or focused on. This then transfers over to their parenting style. Which is why Joe and Kimberly have always dedicated themselves to ensuring all of their kids are instilled with healthy habits young – making it easier to stay healthy as they grow into adulthood.

Independence and Determination: Kyle’s Perspective

For Kyle Landi, independence is paramount. Despite his condition, he refuses to be limited by societal perceptions of what he can achieve. He relishes the challenge of overcoming obstacles and finds fulfillment in his accomplishments. Kyle’s determination serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of self-belief and resilience.

He notes that others sometimes feel the need to coddle him and help him with things he may be struggling with. But he would rather struggle due to the incredible feeling of success he gets from eventually completing a task.

This is why he loves weightlifting and bodybuilding. The struggle is part of the process. That’s something that all individuals who lift weights understand. So while he is at the gym – he is allowed to struggle. It’s an environment where he can feel fully independent.

Embracing Uniqueness: A Message of Empowerment

Kyle’s father shared poignant insights into his son’s journey, acknowledging the struggles of living with down syndrome while celebrating Kyle Landi’s uniqueness. He encouraged Kyle to embrace his condition as part of what makes him exceptional, reminding him that everyone faces challenges but it’s these challenges that shape our character and drive us towards greatness.

Joe mentions that Kyle is high functioning on the spectrum of down syndrome. He considers this a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing for Joe and Kimberly as parents – because their son is able to have much more independence. But he also considers it, in some ways, a curse for Kyle. Due to being high functioning, Kyle is very aware of the affect down syndrome has on his life.

Joe shares a story of driving home with Kyle after they first trained together with Mike O’Hearn. Kyle asked to stop at the hospital. When asked why, it was because Kyle said he wanted the hospital to “take out” his down syndrome.

Clark Bartram, who was a part of the podcast conversation, steps in to note that everyone has something that they don’t like about themselves. It might be to different severities, but our weaknesses are part of what make us unique. And also part of what leads us to overcome struggles and succeed.

Clark Bartram encourages Kyle Landi to not want to “remove” his down syndrome – as it is part of what made him the specific individual he is today.

Wrap Up

In recounting Kyle Landi’s journey, The Mike O’Hearn Show offers a powerful message of empowerment and resilience. Kyle’s determination to defy expectations and pursue his passion for bodybuilding serves as a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities everywhere. Through unwavering support, determination, and self-belief, Kyle Landi exemplifies the transformative power of embracing one’s uniqueness and pursuing one’s dreams.

In a world where stereotypes and limitations often overshadow potential, Kyle’s story serves as a reminder that with dedication and support, anything is possible. As Kyle continues to inspire others with his journey, he proves that true strength lies not only in physical prowess but also in the courage to challenge the status quo and redefine what is possible.

You can watch the full episode above. And make sure to check back every week or new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.

About Derek Dufour

Derek Dufour has been managing all digital operations on the Generation Iron Network for over six years. He currently manages a team of editors, writers, and designers to provide up-to-date content across the GI Network.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility