British powerlifter with Down syndrome aims for gold at the Commonwealth Games

A British powerlifter with Down syndrome is aiming to add to his gold tally at this year's Commonwealth Games - after being told he'd "never achieve anything".

Inspirational Dan McGauley, 31, is already a three-time gold medalist in Commonwealth powerlifting and is the reigning world champion in his weight category.

At just 5ft2 and weighing 56kg, the athlete has overcome tough odds - including two rounds of open-heart surgery - to compete at the highest level.

Now Dan, who also has autism and is deaf in his left ear, is aiming for his FOURTH victory at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland this year.

Dan's mum Judith McGauley said: "He's had a lot of setbacks. The doctors said he wouldn't survive either round of open-heart surgery.

"He's been in a wheelchair and he's had 40-odd operations on his ears.

"We were told by doctors that he'd never make a valuable contribution to society. Now he's on a podium singing his heart out to the national anthem.

"Some people say he's the face of powerlifting. He's got followers from all around the world."

Dan, from Colchester, Essex, has won gold medals in the Special Olympics category at the last three Commonwealth Games.

In 2019, Dan claimed the powerlifting world champion title in the Special Olympics up to 59kg weight category.

He is currently squatting 120kg, bench pressing 90kg, and deadlifting 117.5kg.