World’s Second-Tallest Man Forced To Sleep On Floor At Paralympics

Morteza Mehrzadselakjani of Team Iran had a rough start at the 2024 Paris Paralympics — and it wasn’t due to his athletic performance.

The sitting volleyball player — better known by his nickname “Mehrzad” — is 8′1”, which makes him the second-tallest man in the world and the tallest man in Paralympic history .

To put it into perspective, basketball star Shaquille O’Neal is 7′1″, and professional wrestler and actor André the Giant of “The Princess Bride” fame was 7′4”.

Mehrzad’s stature made him too big for his bed in Paris’ Olympic Village, and had to spend his first few nights snoozing on the floor — at least, according to his coach, Hadi Rezaeigarkani.

Rezaeigarkani told Olympics.com that his star player didn’t get a custom bed this year like he did at the Tokyo Games, but was sure it won’t hinder Mehrzad’s performance on the court.

“He doesn’t have a special bed, but he has got the most important aim in his mind,” Rezaeigarkani said. “It doesn’t matter for him whether he will lay on the floor or he’s not going to have enough to eat. In any way, he has the mind to become a champion.”

It seems Mehrzad’s sad plight was only temporary, however, and the situation seems to have gotten a bit more comfy for the athlete.

A spokesperson from the International Paralympic Committee explained to CNN Sports that before the Games they received a request from the Iranian paralympic team that Mehrzad would need “two extensions” added to a standard bed in the Olympic Village in order for him to fit. IPC added that they were unaware that this was “not sufficient” for him to sleep comfortably.

“No further request was made to Paris 2024 by the Iranian NPC, but the two extensions were not sufficient. Additional extensions have now