Tallest Paralympic athlete in history forced to sleep on the floor in Paris

Mehrzadselakjani (also known as Mehrzad) is 2.46m tall, not only the tallest man in Paralympic history but also the second tallest man in the world . The 36-year-old athlete was an important link in helping the Iranian sitting volleyball team dominate previous Paralympics, when he helped his team win consecutive gold medals in the Rio Paralympics and then the Tokyo Paralympics.

Morteza Mehrzadselakjani (tallest player) poses with teammates from Iran's men's sitting volleyball team. Photo: Getty

Iran's Paralympic sitting volleyball team head coach Hadi Rezaeigarkani said Mehrzad had a bed prepared for him in Tokyo three years ago, but not this time in Paris. As a result, Mehrzad had to "sleep on the floor".

"Mehrazd has to sleep on the floor, but he has the most important goal in mind. It doesn't matter if he sleeps on the floor or doesn't have enough food. He has the spirit to become a champion," coach Rezaeigarkani told the media.

Thanks to his outstanding height, Morteza Mehrzad has helped the Iranian sitting volleyball team dominate recent Paralympics and is currently on a three-match winning streak at the Paris Paralympics. Photo: Getty

However, after news of Mehrzad's difficulties broke, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that "the matter has now been resolved".

A childhood cycling accident left Mehrzad with a pelvic injury that stunted the growth of his right leg. He was diagnosed with a condition that causes excessive growth in body parts, and his right leg is now about 15cm shorter than his left.

Mehrzad has been instrumental in Iran's recent success in men's sitting volleyball. Iran has won eight gold medals in men's sitting volleyball at the Paralympics, its highest tally in history, far surpassing second-place Bosnia & Herzegovina (3 gold medals).

At the Paralympics in Paris, Mehrzad and his teammates are also showing impressive strength, having easily won their first three matches against Ukraine, Brazil and Germany (all by a score of 3-0). They will meet Egypt in the semi-finals tomorrow (September 5).

Ha Trang (according to CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/vdv-cao-nhat-lich-su-paralympic-cua-iran-phai-ngu-tren-san-nha-o-paris-post310502.html