Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, known simply as Mehrzad, stands at an awe-inspiring 2.46 meters tall (8 ft 0.85 inches), making him the second tallest man in the world and the tallest athlete ever to compete in the Paralympics. As a two-time Paralympic champion for Iran’s sitting volleyball team, Mehrzad’s height has been a game-changer, forcing rival teams to rethink their strategies whenever they face him.
Born with acromegaly, a rare condition caused by excessive growth hormone, Mehrzad’s extraordinary height has been both a blessing and a challenge. A bicycle accident during his teenage years further complicated his life, stunting the growth of his right leg, which is now six inches shorter than his left. However, his towering presence has become an invaluable asset for Iran’s sitting volleyball team. Even when seated with his arms raised, Mehrzad stands over six feet tall, making him a formidable opponent on the court.
Joining Iran’s national sitting volleyball team has been a lifeline for Mehrzad, helping him navigate personal crises, including the loss of his mother in 2019. Since Iran’s first appearance in the Paralympic sitting volleyball competition in 1988, the team has claimed the championship title seven out of nine times with Mehrzad playing a pivotal role in recent years.
Yet, despite his immense contributions and stature, Mehrzad faces an unexpected challenge at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, he doesn’t have a bed that fits him. In Tokyo 2020, special accommodations were made, but in Paris, he finds himself without a proper place to rest. “He’s going to lie on the floor,” said Hadi Rezaeigarkani, Mehrzad’s coach, when speaking to Olympics.com. “He doesn’t have a special bed, but he has the most important aim in his mind. It doesn’t matter to him whether he’s lying on the floor or not; he’s focused on becoming a champion.”
A third consecutive gold medal at Paris 2024 would cement Mehrzad’s legacy as one of the greatest athletes in Paralympic history. Discovered by Rezaeigarkani on a reality TV show, where he spoke candidly about his daily challenges, Mehrzad’s journey from obscurity to global recognition is a powerful reminder of the hidden potential within each individual.
“Morteza can be considered the best player on our team,” Rezaeigarkani proudly states. “No one had any consideration for him when he was 12 years old, but now, as a sitting volleyball player, he is respected worldwide. I believe that everyone has potential, and we must discover it.”