Tehran, Iran, March 2, 2020: The strongest ever Paralympian, Siamand Rahman, passed away at the age of 31 on Sunday, March 1, reports the Tehran Times.
Rahman died at the Nabi-akram Hospital in Oshnavieh, West Azerbaijan, after suffering a heart attack.
Powerlifting superstar Rahman, a two-time gold medalist in London 2012 and Rio 2016, was preparing to win his third successive gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Rahman broke the 300kg barrier in the men´s over 107kg at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, lifting an unprecedented 310kg.
The Iranian powerlifter had already won three gold medals in the last three Asian Para Games (2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon and 2018 Jakarta).
Last year, Rahman had said: “It's great to be part of this awesome campaign. I am so excited to see we are getting closer to the Games. I can't wait to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. In Tokyo, everything is going to be between the bar and me. I will redraw the boundaries.”
Rahman will be laid to rest in his hometown Oshnavieh on Monday.
The International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons expressed his shock and deepest condolences at Rahman’s passing and said the IPC had lost a gentle giant.
Parsons said: “The whole Paralympic Movement is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Siamand Rahman.
“As the world’s strongest Paralympian he made global headlines at Rio 2016 when he became the first Para athlete to lift over 300kg. Few will forget that phenomenal performance which marked a landmark in the history of Paralympic sport.
“Siamand was a pioneer for his sport, an inspiration for many in his home country Iran and around the world, and a fantastic ambassador for the Paralympic Movement. He was also a wonderful human being, a gentle giant and one of the friendliest people you could ever meet. Sadly, today we have lost a true Paralympic great.”