Hossein Reza Zadeh

Widely regarded as one of the greatest super heavyweight weightlifters of all-time, Reza Zedah is a two-time Olympic champion (2000, 2004), four-time World champion (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006) and a two-time Asian Games champion (2002, 2006). At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, his gold medal was the first since 1960 by a non-Soviet or non-Russian athlete in the 105+ kg class (in a non-boycotted Games). He successfully defended his Olympic title in 2004 making him the first Iranian athlete to have ever won two Olympic gold medals. Rezazedah also set and broke many world records in his weight class in the clean and jerk and total.

After his success in Sydney in 2000 and his gold medal performance at the 2003 World Championships in Vancouver, the Turkish Weightlifting Federation offered Reza Zedah a lucrative monthly stipend, a luxury villa, and a $10 million (USD) bonus if he would leave Iran and compete for Turkey. Rezazedah turned down the offer because of his love for his homeland and his people.

One of Iran’s most popular celebrities, Reza Zedah is frequently seen on TV and in the news. His wedding in February 2003, held in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca, was broadcast live on state television in Iran.

Four times he has been named Iranian Sportsperson of the Year – more than any other in the country’s history. In 2006, the Reza Zedah Stadium was built in his hometown to honour his achievements and it is one of the most modern facilities in Iran. Once he retired from sport, Reza Zedah was appointed as the Prime Counselor for Iranian National Weightlifting Federation. In 2013, he was elected as a member of City Council of Tehran.