A PARTIALLY-disabled power lifter has taken the weights world by storm.

Dan Rush spent months preparing for his debut at the British Powerlifting Congress competition and was rewarded with top honours.

Hundreds of onlookers rooted for the 31-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer as he heaved a total of 245 kilograms in three impressive lifts.

For Dan, who has a weakness down the right side of his body, the victory followed success earlier this year when he won a section for disabled competitors at the South of England Powerlifting competition.

He said: "I got the biggest cheer from everyone and it seemed like it was going to bring the house down. Although I was the only one competing in my section of the event I had to get everything just right.

"My lifts had to be almost 100 per cent and they certainly didn't give it to me on a plate by any means."

Dan, of Whitebeam Road, Hedge End, says he owes his success to coach Pam Long and the hard work she has put in during training sessions at her Eastleigh gym.

Pam, who runs The Weights Room, devised special exercises to help strengthen and increase the mobility of Dan's right arm.

She said powerlifting had changed his life in more ways than one.

"He has gone from being a very timid person to someone who has developed a lot of confidence.

"He is very popular and it has been immensely rewarding to be involved with his success."

Meanwhile, Dan, who is also a karate black belt, is hoping his academic training in business administration will help land him a job.

He is currently attached to the Shaw Trust, a voluntary organisation that helps the disabled back into employment. A spokeswoman said: "We are thrilled by Dan's success, achieved by determination and dedication.''

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