<p>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". </p><p>Inspirational Dan McGauley, 31, is already a three-time gold medalist in Commonwealth powerlifting and is the reigning world champion in his weight category.</p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>"He's been in a wheelchair and he's had 40-odd operations on his ears. </p><p>"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.</p><p>"Some people say he's the face of powerlifting. He's got followers from all around the world."</p><p>Dan, from Colchester, Essex, has won gold medals in the Special Olympics category at the last three Commonwealth Games.</p><p>In 2019, Dan claimed the powerlifting world champion title in the Special Olympics up to 59kg weight category. </p><p>He is currently squatting 120kg, bench pressing 90kg, and deadlifting 117.5kg.</p>
