Meet Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, tallest Paralympian who sleeps on the floor as beds fall short

Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, the world's second-tallest man at 8 feet 1 inch (2.46 meters), has been forced to sleep on the floor during the Paris Paralympic Games. No, it's not any maltreatment or punishment, but because ofhis exceptional height,he has been unable to find a bed in the Paralympic Village that accommodates him.

The 36-year-old athlete, who has acromegaly— a rare condition causing excessive growth, continues to face numerous challenges, but his determination remains strong.

Determination over comfort

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The team’s head coach Hadi Rezaeigarkani, praised Mehrzadselakjani’s focus and resilience “He doesn’t have a special bed, but he has got the most important aim in his mind. It doesn’t matter to him whether he will lie on the floor or he’s not going to have enough to eat. In any way, he has the mind to become a champion.”

Early life and health struggles

Born on September 17, 1987, in Kelachay, Iran, Mehrzadselakjani was diagnosed with acromegaly early on, leading to his extraordinary height by the age of 16. A bicycle accident in his teenage years caused a pelvis fracture, which resulted in his right leg stopping growing, making it shorter than his left and making it difficult for him to walk.

“I have always been called the ‘tall boy’ even before joining the national team or the Paralympic Games,” he told AFP following a training session at Iran’s Sports Federation for the Disabled in Tehran.

Adapting to mobility challenges

Today, Mehrzadselakjani uses crutches or a wheelchair due to the variation between his legs. Despite these difficulties, he has made a significant impact on Iran's sitting volleyball team, earning the nickname "Fatal Weapon." The Paris Paralympics is his third appearance at the games.

Mehrzadselakjani and his team are aiming to secure their eighth Paralympic title in sitting volleyball. Iran has a strong track record in the sport, having won seven of the nine tournaments they have competed in since their debut in Seoul in 1988.

(With inputs from agencies)