Arnold Classic might see a new division as Arnold Schwarzenegger is on the verge of making bodybuilding history by introducing a special division. It all started when Kyle Landi, a bodybuilder with Down Syndrome, asked Schwarzenegger a question about whether it is possible for him to compete at the Arnold Classic.

"The last time we saw him there, two weeks ago, you asked him, 'Arnold, can I compete at the Arnold Classic?'" Kyle's mother, Kimberly Murphy, was found recalling her son's conversation with Schwarzenegger on the occasion of Mother's Day as found in The Crackin' Backs Podcast post on May 10. "And what did he say? He said, 'You know what? We're going to make a division just for you, Kyle."

Kyle has always had his mother's support, no matter what. She has never tried to limit her son in any way. And this Mother's Day, their story resonates far beyond the world of fitness.

Kyle has already started making history after that conversation with Schwarzenegger. He became the first bodybuilder with Down Syndrome to compete on the Toronto Pro stage, where he took home three gold medals.

Now, all it takes for Kyle is a Top 15 finish to get his ticket to the Arnold Classic, which might even have an entirely new division awaiting him come 2027.

It’s no secret that Schwarzenegger has always been a role model for Kyle. For him, the Austrian Oak is the person who teaches him workouts.

However, it didn’t stop there. Schwarzenegger met with Landi, heard his question, and committed to creating a division for him at the Arnold Classic.

Kyle Landi Training With Arnold Schwarzenegger

On May 2, Kyle Landi shared a workout video on his social media, in which he was seen doing heavy lifting.

The exercises included in his workout are:

• EZ bar upright rowing
• Dumbbell lateral raise
• Inclined machine chest press
• Plate-loaded seated shoulder press

Landi not only engages in training but has also been coached in posing skills recently by none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. He posted a picture on his Instagram account dated April 26 with the caption: “Double biceps with the GOAT himself @schwarzenegger! 💪”

Furthermore, he also struck a pose with Arnold’s youngest son, Joe Baena. It was shared by the Canadian bodybuilder on March 30 with the caption: “Just two athletes in the posing room at @goldsgym Venice.”

His recognition has clearly come from his dedication to training and his willingness to learn from mentors and respected figures in the industry.

Read more at Body Building Bros.

Written by

Proma Chatterjee

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar