The same year he also participated in his first Arnold Classic and the Ironman Pro Invitational, where he placed 4th and 2nd respectively.
In 1995 he competed in his first Night of Champions tournament (now called the New York Pro), where he placed 6th.
In mid-2006 Cormier was hospitalized with an infected spine resulting from a bodybuilding-related injury before he was due to train with veteran English bodybuilder and ex-Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates.
His recovery included extensive physiotherapy [2] but the injury, and a subsequent one involving his triceps, forced his retirement.
Since then he has turned his efforts into working with athletes all over the world, sharing the knowledge and expertise he gained over his 30+ years in the sport, which included competing in over 72 IFBB competitions, with 12 professional wins and first runner-up a record 6 times at the prestigious Arnold Classic (2000-05).