Saskatchewan man, 63, en route to powerlifting world championships after overcoming heart attack

Only four months removed from his second heart attack, Wayne Cormier is still chasing his white whale. 

The 63-year-old from Swift Current, Sask., is boarding a plane for Poland this week to seek the one accomplishment that has eluded him during a 51-year powerlifting career: a world championship gold medal. 

"I've spent a lot of time with my inner circle," Cormier said.

"They asked that same question, 'Why?' And I just feel that if I don't, I just won't feel that my powerlifting career has been complete."

After 15 national championships, 20 provincial championships and a growing number of record-setting lifts, Cormier hasn't been able to let go of his international ambition. 

"I just feel I'm cheating myself by walking away," he said. 

Cormier made it to four previous world championship events. His best finish has been a bronze medal.

Cormier at the 1999 Canadian championships in Moose Jaw. (Submitted by Wayne Cormier)

It was one of the goals that brought him back to competition in 2012 after a nine-year retirement.

"I've knocked on the door, and… I have one more chance at this, at least," Cormier said.

He qualified for the 2026 worlds in April by winning multiple gold medals and setting six Canadian records at the Global Powerlifting Committee Canadian Championships in Edmonton.

Cormier with his medals from the 2026 Canadian championships. (Submitted by Wayne Cormier)

The event had all his competitions loaded into one day. Cormier said he was lifting for nine hours and didn't feel right that night. 

A week later, his wife rushed him to the cardiac unit in Regina after he suffered a heart attack.

Even while sitting in his bed that day, Cormier didn't believe his dream was dead.

"I'm really good at denial. Like, really