LOS ANGELES -- Chevi Peters wasn't expected to live past age 2. Now 31, he has overcome close to 40 surgeries and a kidney transplant to prepare for the Special Olympics World Games.

His big day was Tuesday, when we got a behind-the-scenes look at Peters' three gold medal-winning performances.

Chevi arrives

U.S. powerlifter Chevi Peters and his coach, John Lair, walk through the Los Angeles Convention Center en route to check-in. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Coach's corner

Coach Lair gives Peters one final word of encouragement before the powerlifter takes the competition floor. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Time to weigh in

Peters weighs in. He weighed all of 90 pounds when he first started lifting. Mike Stocker for ESPN

A card from New Hope

Peters becomes emotional while reading a card from the athletes and volunteers from New Hope Services in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he works out. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Prep work

Lair tells Peters that everyone out there in the crowd wants to see him succeed. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Chevi warms up

Backstage, Peters warms up under Lair's watchful eye before the competition. Mike Stocker for ESPN

All about family

Peters' family (from front left), sisters Lakynne and Madison McElroy and parents Donna McElroy and Greg Peters, cheer him on during the competition. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Ready for the big stage

Peters and Lair walk to the stage for the competition. Peters' events -- squat, deadlift, combination and bench press. Mike Stocker for ESPN

The power behind the lift

Peters screams as he completes his squat lift ... and goes on to win the gold. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Staying in the zone

Peters is all focus in between lifts. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Peters keeps pushing the limit

Peters pulls up to his second gold medal, this time in deadlift. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Winning moment

Peters celebrates with Lair after winning his third gold of the day in combination. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Brotherly love

Sisters Lakynne and Madison join the celebration. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Hey, Mark Henry!

Peters takes the podium with fellow Special Olympics USA teammate Benjamin Bednarz, left, and Great Britain's Christopher Woodhead. Peters is pointing to WWE star Mark Henry, who is standing offstage. Mike Stocker for ESPN

Let the celebration begin

Peters celebrates after being awarded his first gold medal. He is now a world champion. Mike Stocker for ESPN

A lot of hardware