63-year-old Sask. powerlifter overcomes heart attack to attend world championships

It's only been four months since his second heart attack, but Wayne Cormier is still chasing his white whale. The 63-year-old from Swift Current heads to Poland this week to seek the one accomplishment that's eluded him during a 51-year powerlifting career, a world championship gold medal. This is my destiny. I've made it my obsession. After 15 national championships, Cormier hasn't been able to let go of his international ambition. I just feel I'm cheating myself by walking away. And it would be easy. It would be easy for me to justify walking away. Two heart attacks? I mean, let's just be open and honest here. Cormier's best finish at four world championships was a bronze medal. He qualified this year by winning the Canadian championships in Edmonton, but suffered a heart attack only a week later. Cormier says an infection caused the attack and his heart wasn't damaged, so doctors cleared him to keep training. But the health scare prompted some emotional talks with his family. A heartfelt, honest conversation about it. And they asked that same question, you know, why? And I just feel that if I don't, that I just won't feel that my powerlifting career has been complete. Cormier's used his experience and training as a counselor to mentor others, including Mason Peterson. Very big, emotionally supportive to me in all realms of my life and stuff. Peterson says he never doubted Cormier would get to Poland. I like to say he's kind of got the mindset of an old working horse and stuff. He just never gives up. Cormier also sought guidance from former world champion Lee Powell of Regina. Being able to do it in the gym and being able to do it in Poland are two different things, but he's got some experience he's been there before so i think he he knows what to expect and he knows how to handle it cormier says he knows this could be his last shot and his motivation this time it's very simple for me for once in my 51 year career i'm doing it for me cormier heads to poland on friday with another crack at that white whale next week sean mullen cbc news swift current