Siamand Rahman, strongest Paralympian ever, hopes to win the 2017 Laureus Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award.
The ceremony has been scheduled for 14 February in Monaco, France.
The six shortlisted athletes are Siamand Rahman (IRI), Ihar Boki (BLR), Omara Durand (CUB), Marcel Hug (SUI), Sophie Pascoe (NZL), Beatrice Vio (ITA).
“I am hopeful to win the prestigious award. It would be a great honor for my country,” Rahman told Paralympic.ir.
Rahman made history at Latin America’s first Paralympics when he became the first athlete to lift over 300kg.
He produced arguably the best performance of Rio 2016 when he lifted a world record 310kg to take gold in the men’s over 100kg powerlifting event.
“I had promised to make history for my people and I am happy to accomplish that. Now, I am training for the Para powerlifting World Championships which will be held in Mexico City in September,” he added.
Siamand Rahman also extends sympathy to families of Plasco victims.
“I think the firefighters are the real heroes who risk their lives every day to save life and property. All my thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends of the victims,” Rahman concluded.