A DEFIANT Colchester powerlifter with Down’s Syndrome “lapped up” the praise and attention as he celebrated retaining his titles during a unforgettable day.

Dan McGauley, 32, recently returned home after taking gold at the World Equipped Open Powerlifting Championships and Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships.

In recognition of his achievements the reigning champion, who headed to Denmark and Auckland in defence of his titles, was invited to Colchester Town Hall.

After being driven to the city centre building in a Porsche, Dan was greeted by Batman before meeting mayor and mayoress Tim Young and Nicola Goodchild.

Gazette:

Superstar Dan then enjoyed tea and biscuits with the dignitaries before taking his place on the balcony where he gracefully waved to passers-by.

Peter Dutch, who is the founder of the Anti-Loo Roll Brigade and first met Dan roughly 18 months, helped to organise the unforgettable day.

He said: “His story blew me away and we have remained quite close, so I thought he deserved recognition and some sort of celebration.

“We do not have many gold medal winners here in Colchester and as role models and inspiring people go, Dan is right at the top.

READ MORE: Colchester power lifter with Down's Syndrome to defend title

“The town hall bent over backwards to help us recognise Dan’s achievement and it was fantastic to let him know how proud we all are of him.

“He loved it and lapped it up – he was in his element. We got Batman in as well because we felt it was only right one superhero met another.”

Dan, who has autism, 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 just over ten years ago when he visited the gym to lose weight.

Gazette:

His mum, Judith, initially wanted him to just use the treadmill, but after entering the gym Dan quickly found his way to the weights and never looked back.

Speaking about his trip to the town hall Judith said: “It was a really brilliant day and he was really pleased.

“I didn’t tell him what was happening, I just told him he was getting a surprise. He thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Dan did exceptionally well at both competitions, especially as he was on a tight schedule, so he was quite happy and we were really pleased for him.

“He just loves powerlifting and the gym and if he had his way he would be in there 24/7.”