Cormier snags silver at powerlifting nationals

A local man has proved he can compete with the best when it comes to heavy lifting.

Don Cormier of Noel's Pond was among the nine athletes from this province who took part in the 2010 Canadian Powerlifting Union's national championships, which took place April 7 to 11 in Quebec City.

A total of nine medals were won by contenders from Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Cormier, the sole lifter from the province's west coast, took home a silver medal in his class.

"It was excellent because when you're attending that type of competition and you place in the top three, you're considered pretty good," said Mr. Cormier. "It was a big competition."

The event saw 156 athletes from across the country taking part in three lifts - the squat, bench and deadlift.

"It started off with the squat and I squatted 552 pounds, I benched 352 and my deadlift was 407," said Mr. Cormier, noting he was 50 pounds off from his goal weight.

The weight lifter described himself as a consistent trainer, with the West Coast Training Centre and the Indian Head Judo Club helping him make it to the national championships.

"I have an eight-week schedule and I followed that right up until the time I peaked for the nationals," he said. "I also do a lot of cross training - skiing and biking and stuff like that."

Mr. Cormier said he and other winners can become members of the 2010 Canadian team, which will compete later this year at an international tournament.

"We can go to the next world event, which is in the Czech Republic," he said. "I won't be able to go, but if I had some sort of sponsorship I could go. If I happen to get a sponsor, you never know, I might be able to go."

Regardless, Mr. Cormier said he is looking forward to helping organize the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial powerlifting games, which will take place at the West Coast Training Centre on June 26.

His co-director for the meet is Ralph Payne.

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