Vic Downs's presence at the Scarborough YMCA for more than 20 years is nothing short of remarkable. Every morning, seven days a week, the 94-year-old works his way through weight machines and then comes back for stretching exercises. “If I don’t, I feel it the next day,” he says.
Each visit, Vic greets fellow members with a smile, an inspiration for multiple generations. He has had an interest and passion for fitness since joining the army as a young man, but he made an international name for himself in the fitness space in his 30s when he started weightlifting professionally. What makes his story even more extraordinary is that he didn't begin weightlifting until the age of 32. By the time he was 39, he had won numerous awards, from Mr. Toronto and Mr. Ontario to Mr. Universe and the prestigious "World's Most Muscular Man" title from the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB). Vic often travelled to the United States and Europe, where he trained with and competed against Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 1966 NABBA Mr. Universe competition in London.
Vic exemplifies the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving one's goals, no matter your fitness level or age. His story is a testament that fitness knows no age boundaries and can truly inspire other seniors and every generation!
Recently Vic was interviewed by CityNews and Breakfast Television, sharing that inspiration and passion with people across Canada.
