Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, also known as Mehrzad, faced challenges due to his extreme height of 8’1″ at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. As the tallest man in Paralympic history, Mehrzad struggled to find a bed that fit him at the Olympic Village, resulting in him having to sleep on the floor for the first few nights. Despite this setback, his coach, Hadi Rezaeigarkani, was confident that Mehrzad’s performance on the court would not be affected. Although he did not receive a custom bed like he did at the Tokyo Games, Mehrzad remained focused on his goal of becoming a champion.
Mehrzad’s unique height is a result of acromegaly, a hormonal condition that causes excess growth hormone production. Additionally, he fractured his pelvis in a bicycle accident, which stunted the growth of his right leg, making it significantly shorter than his left leg. Due to his condition and noticeable height, Mehrzad isolated himself in his home in Chalus, Iran for nearly a decade, feeling ashamed and like a “freak.” However, after being discovered by Coach Rezaeigarkani in 2011, Mehrzad joined Team Iran and made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016. Since then, he has become a standout player known for his powerful strikes on the volleyball court.
Despite his success and status as a sports star in Iran, Mehrzad remains humble and reluctant to label himself as his team’s star player. He views himself as part of a team rather than an individual standout. Growing up, Mehrzad was bullied for his height, but he is now celebrated and admired by many in his home country. His matches draw excitement and are aired during prime time, showcasing his transformation from a recluse to a champion. Rezaeigarkani noted that Mehrzad spent years hiding in his home due to the attention his height attracted, but he is now seen as a champion by the Iranian people.
Mehrzad’s abilities on the sitting volleyball court have made him a formidable player, earning him the nickname “Fatal Weapon” for his powerful strikes. Standing over 6 feet tall when his arms are raised, Mehrzad’s stature can be intimidating to opponents. His presence on the court has contributed to Team Iran’s success in sitting volleyball, a sport they have dominated since the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games. Mehrzad’s journey from isolation to Paralympic stardom serves as an inspirational story of perseverance and triumph over adversity. Despite facing challenges due to his height and physical condition, Mehrzad has become a role model for many, showcasing the power of determination and resilience in the face of obstacles.
