Paralympics: Iran's Sitting Volleyball Star, The Man Without A Bed On Verge Of Third Gold Medal

PARIS, Sept 6 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- When Iranian sitting volleyball player Morteza Mehrzad arrived at the Olympic Village for the Paralympic Games, he was forced to sleep on the floor because there wasn't a bed large enough for him, but now he could help his team secure an Olympic medal.

The 36-year-old was born with gigantism and, standing at 2 metres and 47 centimetres, he is the second-tallest man on earth.

After a cycling accident caused an injury to his right leg, which then stopped growing, Mehrzad had to use a wheelchair. However, Iran's coach, Hadi Rezaei, has played a pivotal role in taking him from a life of isolation to the world stage at the Paralympics.

bootstrap slideshow

Rezaei, who has coached the Iranian sitting volleyball team through seven different Paralympic Games, leading them to four gold medals, first heard about Mehrzad through an Iranian TV programme.

"He had been isolated from the population; I was able to bring him into society," Xinhua quoted Rezaei explaining to The Guardian.

Mehrzad is now a key player for the Iranian team, serving as an outside hitter and being responsible for finishing off points after passes from his teammates. His extraordinary height provides him with a powerful advantage that opponents find difficult to defend against.

Having already won gold medals at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Mehrzad is aiming for a third consecutive gold in Paris when Iran faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final. However, for Rezaei, simply participating in the Games is a victory in itself.

"People all around the world will be able to watch one of the most important games. The disabled athletes will be able to show their ability and capability and let's see what they can do. But if we win the match or I am just a finalist it will be my great pleasure to be there, I will be more than happy."

Rezaei also reflects on the personal significance of helping Mehrzad transition from a life of isolation to becoming a Paralympic hero, calling it "one of the most important things I have done during my whole life".

And on the eve of the final, there's more good news for the 'big man' - he finally has a bed big enough to sleep in.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA