Rezazadeh kisses weightlifting goodbye

[007]

PTV - Four-time heavyweight world champion Hossein Rezazadeh has ended his weightlifting career due to medical reasons, a report says.

Doctors have prohibited the Iranian heavyweight-weightlifting champion from taking part in any sports activity, ISNA reported Wednesday without disclosing any of the medical reasons.

The report comes three weeks before the beginning of the Beijing Olympics, where Rezazadeh was expected to win his third Olympic gold medal.

In a letter to the Iranian Weightlifting Federation, Rezazadeh confirmed that he would not be taking part in any sport event.

The Iranian champion won several gold medals in various international sport events, including two gold medals at Sydney and Athens Olympics in 2000 and 2004.

[ali_europe]

sad news...hopefully not true....I was so hoping that Rezazadeh would equalize alexiev's record as best heavyweightlifeter in olympic history....

but if the news is true, of course Rezazadeh's health should have absolute priority... he did a lot for our nation's sport , it wouldn't be fair to risk his health just cuz of medals....so he really deserves to get all necessary medical support and respect

[BrankoWasTheBEST]

He is a hero to all Iranians. He is a true champion and should be a role model.

I remember reading about him refusing Turkish citizenship even when they offered hin $10 million, a house and a Merc. His reply was that 'every morning when he opens his eye he thanks God for waking up in Iran and being an Iranian'.  Something the vatanforooshs and secessionists would do well to understand.

The very best of luck to Rezazadeh and I thank him for all the glory and services to the Iranian nation. I suggest we all change our avatars in is honour for a week as a thankyou.

[Afshin]

Rezazadeh has done Iran proud and he has never asked for anything,he has never forgotten his homeland and turned down Turkey's offer of Turkish citizenship and a lot of money to join their weighlifting team.

I wish more info would be released on the nature of Rezazadeh's injury and what has forced him to retire.

[Joonevar]

Rezazadeh has done Iran proud and he has never asked for anything,he has never forgotten his homeland and turned down Turkey's offer of Turkish citizenship and a lot of money to join their weighlifting team.

I wish more info would be released on the nature of Rezazadeh's injury and what has forced him to retire.

It seems bad back and diabetes were the official reasons given.