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.

Rise to fame

Cyr returned to Quebec in 1882 with his family and was married. The following year he and his wife returned to Lowell, hoping to capitalize on his fame there. A tour of the Maritimes was organized, and while it may have benefitted the organizer, Cyr made nothing from it. He then began touring Quebec with his family in a show they called ?The Troupe Cyr.?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

From 1883 to 1885, Cyr served as a police officer in Montreal. Following this he went on tour with a troupe that included a wrestler, a boxer and a weightlifter. He entered a strongman competition in March, 1886 at Quebec City, against the reigning Canadian strongman, David Michaud. Cyr lifted a 218-pound barbell with one hand (to Michaud?s 158 pounds) and a weight of 2,371 pounds on his back (to his opponent?s 2,071) to win the title of strongest man in the country.

Related Topics:
Montreal - Quebec City

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~