Morteza Mehrzadselakjani: Aiming for a Third Paralympic Gold at the 2024 Paris Games

Morteza Mehrzadselakjani stands out as the tallest Paralympian ever. He aims for a third gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Already a winner of two golds, the Iranian athlete is a cornerstone of his country's men's sitting volleyball team.

At a remarkable height of 2.46 meters (eight feet, one inch), Mehrzad is not only the tallest Paralympian but also ranks as the joint-second tallest man globally. At 36 years old, he plays a crucial role in Iran’s success in men’s sitting volleyball, leading them to consecutive gold medals in Rio and Tokyo.

His path to sitting volleyball began unexpectedly. He joined the national team just six months before the Rio Games after being discovered on television. Diagnosed with acromegaly early in life, he experienced excess growth hormone levels. A bicycle accident as a teenager fractured his pelvis, leaving his right leg shorter than his left, complicating his mobility.

As he prepares for the upcoming Games, Mehrzad emphasizes the transformative impact of sitting volleyball. He noted that he has "turned limitations into opportunities." He shared, "I have always been called the ‘tall boy’ even before joining the national team or the Paralympics." He appreciates how the conditions he viewed negatively have benefited his game.

With his arms raised while sitting on the floor, Mehrzad can reach over six feet, making him pivotal on the court. Beyond his two gold medals, he has been recognized as the sport's best player in 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Despite his accolades, Mehrzad feels uneasy about the attention he receives compared to his teammates. "I appreciate being called the best in the game, but I’m not," he said. He views every teammate as equally crucial in forming the best global team.

Mehrzad's presence is vital in Iran's thriving sitting volleyball scene. Historically, Iran has excelled in this sport. Out of nine Paralympic Games since Seoul 1988, the country has claimed gold in seven.

As the Paris Games approach, the weight of expectation looms large. "Our biggest challenge is that Iranian people expect us to become champions," remarked Iran’s head coach Rezaei. This expectation places immense pressure on the athletes and staff.

"In some sports, just participating in the Paralympics is considered an honor. But in sitting volleyball, the standards are higher. Finishing second is seen as a failure."

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