Louis Cyr

Louis Cyr, baptised Cyprien-Noé Cyr (October 10, 1863 – November 10, 1912) was a famous Canadian strongman. Cyr never backed down from a challenge and was undefeated in Canada and abroad. His fame was earned before accurate records were kept and before weight lifting was included among Olympic events.

Early years

Cyr was born in St. Cyprien de Napierville in Quebec, Canada. From the age of twelve Cyr worked in a lumber camp during the winters and on the family?s farm the rest of the year. He impressed his fellow workers with his feats of strength. The Dictionary of Canadian Biography notes that according to one of his biographers, his mother decided ?he should let his hair grow, like Samson in the Bible.? She curled it regularly.

Related Topics:
St. Cyprien de Napierville - Quebec - Canada

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In 1878 the Cyr family immigrated to Lowell, Massachusetts in the United States. It was in Lowell that, Cyr changed his name from Cyprien-Noé to Louis, as it was easier to pronounce in English. Again his great strength brought him fame. At seventeen he weighed 230 pounds (104 kg). He entered his first strongman contest in Boston at age eighteen, lifting a horse off the ground.

Related Topics:
Lowell, Massachusetts - United States

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