Paralympics to provide bigger bed for world's second tallest man

Organizers of the Paralympics have informed Newsround that they will supply a new bed for Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, the world’s second-tallest man, who is competing in the games.

Morteza, a sitting volleyball player for Iran, has faced challenges due to his height, as there hasn't been a bed large enough for him, forcing him to sleep on the floor.

A two-time Paralympic champion, Morteza is aiming for more victories in Paris and is a key player for the Iranian team.

Standing at just over eight feet tall, he holds the title of the second-tallest man globally and became the tallest athlete ever to compete in a Paralympic Games in 2016.

At the postponed Tokyo 2020 games, Morteza was given a custom-made bed because of his height, but this year his coach raised concerns that he wasn’t provided with a similar accommodation.

"He doesn’t have a special bed, but he has got the most important aim in his mind. 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," his coach explained to Olympics.com.

A spokesperson for the Paralympics told Newsround that Iran’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC) had been informed they could request two extensions for the standard beds in the Paralympic village, which were made available after a request from the Iranian NPC.

The spokesperson also mentioned that no additional requests were made by the Iranian NPC, but it seems that the two extensions provided were not sufficient for Morteza’s height.

"Since learning about the situation in the media, we are making available additional extensions. The situation will be resolved today," the spokesperson confirmed.

Despite the bed issue, Morteza and his team remain focused on their primary goal.

Iran has an impressive record, having won seven out of the nine sitting volleyball tournaments they’ve participated in, and they’re aiming for their eighth victory in Paris this year.