WESLACO – Cody Colchado represented the U.S. in London at the world’s strongest man competition for disabled people over the weekend. A lifelong fan of athletics, he uses powerlifting as motivation to overcome his obstacles.

“I’m a competitor,” said Colchado. “I like competing against myself. I like seeing what I can handle.”

Strongman competitions are different than traditional forms of weightlifting.

“Carrying a sandbag that weighs 150 pounds all the way up to 300 pounds. We’ll be doing what’s called a Viking lift, which is almost like lifting a log,” said Colchado.

The 54-year-old shares his message of overcoming obstacles at public speaking engagements.

“We like to break that stereotype and we want to prove to the world that we can stand up and compete,” said Colchado. “Just give us the opportunity and we will.”

UTRGV women’s basketball coach Larry Tidwell helped Colchado get to London. Colchado’s original flight out of McAllen to Houston was canceled because of Hurricane Harvey. When hearing about the canceled flight, Coach Tidwell took it upon himself to book a different flight and even drove Colchado to San Antonio so he could make it in time for the competition.