Siamand Rahman

The question had always been: how far could Siamand Rahman go?

Rahman became the first powerlifter to break the 300kg barrier at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. One year later, he secured his second world title in Mexico City. His main opponent was the bar and his human rivals knew they had to settle for fighting for silver.

He became the strongest man in Paralympic history after breaking the world record at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

And he continued to prove his status every year since, breaking the world record multiple times to edge towards the most anticipated lift in Para powerlifting - his long awaited 300kg lift.

Rahman’s natural physique and body dimensions have always been suited to powerlifting, and he initially took up the sport after his family and coaches encouraged him to try it out.

The Iranian began his career supported by his family and coach Ali Asghar in 2008.

He appeared on the world stage for the first time at the 2010 World Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he competed in the men’s over 100kg and won silver losing to teammate Karem Rajabi Golojeh.

He set a new world record on his fourth lift, but unfortunately did not count toward his medal performance.

At the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games, he set another world record in the over 100kg category, lifting 287.5kg, which was more than enough to get him the gold.

In April 2012, he broke his own record once more, lifting 291kg at a competition in the United Arab Emirates.

During London 2012, he broke the Paralympic record with a lift of 280kg, a mark that previously belonged to Golojeh.

Leading into Rio 2016, Rahman kept people guessing on whether he would attempt 300kg on the world's biggest stage. He gave some indication of his potential however, breaking the world record nine times in three years from 2014-2016.

The anticipation when he did take to the bench in Rio was palpable. The venue was heavy with expectation.

He started out with a relatively easy 270kg to get himself going. Then on his second lift he went for the 300kg. As the green lights appeared from the judges, a smile spread across Rahman's face and he was congratulated by his coaching team amongst loud cheers.

He came out again and cleared 305kg on his third lift, feeding the fever of the crowds. But he was not finished.

Incredibly Rahman and his team decided he had some more left and registered a 310kg fourth round attempt. He successfully managed the lift to end powerlifting competitions at Rio 2016 on a huge high.

One of the greatest Paralympians of all time, the Iranian passed away in March 2020 at the age of 31 in his hometown Oshnavieh due to cardiac arrest.