Iranian sitting volleyball player Morteza Mehrzadselakjan, who stands at 8 feet 1 inch and is the tallest Paralympic athlete in history, is aiming for a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Despite not fitting into the beds at the Olympic Village, Mehrzadselakjan is determined to make do and lie on the floor if necessary. Special accommodations have been made for him in past Games, but unfortunately not for the Paris 2024 Games.
The head coach of the Iranian sitting volleyball team, Hadi Rezaeigarkani, mentioned that while Mehrzadselakjan doesn’t have a special bed, his focus on becoming a champion is unwavering. This is Mehrzadselakjan’s third Paralympics appearance, with previous gold medal wins in Rio and Tokyo. He remains optimistic about achieving a three-peat in Paris, despite the discomfort of not having a suitable bed.
Mehrzadselakjan, who has acromegaly and suffered a broken pelvis as a teen, causing his right leg to stop growing, found his passion for sitting volleyball in 2015. His unique physique, once seen as a limitation, has become an advantage in the sport. He credits playing sitting volleyball for helping him transform his perceived weaknesses into strengths, allowing him to excel in the game.
Iran’s sitting volleyball team has a strong legacy in the Paralympic Games, with seven gold medal wins out of nine appearances since 1988. Mehrzadselakjan, known as “the Fatal Weapon” in his country, is a crucial player in the team. Despite his individual success, he emphasizes that each teammate is equally valuable and contributes to the team’s success. He acknowledges the collective effort of the team in being the best in the world.
Mehrzadselakjan has embraced his unique stature and ability, using it to his advantage in sitting volleyball. His journey from being called the “tall boy” to becoming a key player in the Iranian team showcases his resilience and determination. He views his physical attributes as assets that have helped him excel in the sport, turning his perceived disadvantages into opportunities for growth and success.
As Mehrzadselakjan continues to strive for gold at the Paralympics and inspire others through his story, he remains focused on his ultimate goal of becoming a champion. Despite facing challenges such as not having a suitable bed at the Olympic Village, he maintains a positive mindset and determination to succeed. His journey from overcoming a childhood accident to becoming a Paralympic athlete highlights his strength, perseverance, and ability to turn obstacles into triumphs.
