Real Fix Magazine
  • Home
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Relationships
  • Bizarre
  • Crime
  • Health
  • Inspiration
  • Love This
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Relationships
  • Bizarre
  • Crime
  • Health
  • Inspiration
  • Love This
No Result
View All Result
Real Fix Magazine
No Result
View All Result

Powerlifting world champion with down syndrome defies odds after being told he’d ‘never achieve anything’

RealFix by RealFix
April 12, 2022
in Editor's Picks, Health, Inspirational
0
Powerlifting world champion with down syndrome defies odds after being told he’d ‘never achieve anything’

Daniel McGauley doing a workout at his gym in Colchester Essex. Powerlifter Daniel, who has Downs Syndrome and autism has been crowned British Champion.

29
SHARES
30
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterWhatsapp

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.

Daniel McGauley doing a workout at his gym in Colchester Essex.

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.”

Daniel McGauley doing a workout at his gym in Colchester Essex.
Daniel McGauley and his mum Judith McGayley at his gym in Colchester Essex.

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.

Judith said: “Dan has to work twice as hard as able-bodied lifters.

“He trains three times a week and has personal training sessions on Saturday and Sunday.”

Daniel McGauley doing a workout at his gym in Colchester Essex.

Dan was born with a heart defect and underwent two rounds of open surgery when he was aged four months and two years.

He was temporarily wheelchair-bound and first got into powerlifting ten years ago when he visited the gym to lose weight.

Judith said: “We wanted him to go on the treadmill but as soon as he went in he just wanted to do the weights.

“A coach offered to train him and Dan absolutely took to it.

“He likes that it’s repetitive. All the signals and commands are the same. He says the gym is his safe space.

“His speech is bad but if you talk to him about powerlifting he will talk like anyone else.”

Dan’s powerlifting has even inspired mum Judith to take up the sport.

Judith has since won gold medals in her age category at the last Commonwealth Games in Canada and South Africa.

Tags: feature
Previous Post

Mysterious face has appeared in a cliff following a landslide – locals claim it could be the head of mythical GIANT that stalked the area

Next Post

Football-mad goalie born with one arm hits fundraising target for new bionic limb with help from his teammates

RealFix

RealFix

Real Fix is a completely free true-life magazine. Check out our Facebook page for more videos and clips, or download our New Real-Fix Podcast for astonishing interviews with some of the real people behind our amazing stories.

Next Post
Football-mad goalie born with one arm hits fundraising target for new bionic limb with help from his teammates

Football-mad goalie born with one arm hits fundraising target for new bionic limb with help from his teammates

You Must See

83-year-old woman completes THIRD Tough Mudder endurance race

83-year-old woman completes THIRD Tough Mudder endurance race

May 16, 2022
Mum with rare spine condition to undergo potentially life-saving surgery thanks to a stranger’s £130,000 donation

Mum with rare spine condition to undergo potentially life-saving surgery thanks to a stranger’s £130,000 donation

May 16, 2022
BBQ fan awarded the accolade of Britain’s best burger – says the secret is beer-flavoured cheese

BBQ fan awarded the accolade of Britain’s best burger – says the secret is beer-flavoured cheese

May 16, 2022
Volunteers transform 5,000-year-old oak tree into incredible 50-seater ‘table for the nation’

Volunteers transform 5,000-year-old oak tree into incredible 50-seater ‘table for the nation’

May 16, 2022
Terminally ill man set to marry childhood sweetheart after family & friends raise more than £5,000 for the couple

Terminally ill man set to marry childhood sweetheart after family & friends raise more than £5,000 for the couple

May 16, 2022
‘Fussy eater’, 10, raised money for hospital which cared for her sick brother – by eating foods she hates

‘Fussy eater’, 10, raised money for hospital which cared for her sick brother – by eating foods she hates

May 16, 2022
  • Home
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Relationships
  • Bizarre
  • Crime
  • Health
  • Inspiration
  • Love This

Real Fix is a trading style of South West News Service Limited.
Copyright © 2022 South West News Service Limited.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Relationships
  • Bizarre
  • Crime
  • Health
  • Inspiration
  • Love This

Real Fix is a trading style of South West News Service Limited.
Copyright © 2022 South West News Service Limited.