Shahin Izadyar, who won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, resembles the most decorated Olympian of all time Michael Phelps.
Surpassing Japan in the third place in medal table, Izadyar helped Iran record the best ever showing at the Games.
Izadyar has yet to win a medal in the Paralympics, though his performance at the Gelora Bung Karno Aquatics Centre was a good sign for the 25-year-old sensation to make history in Tokyo 2020.
“People say I’m Michael Phelps of Iran, and that’s the best compliment I can receive. Phelps has won 27 gold medals in the Olympics, and it’s not a fair comparison,” Izadyar said in an interview with the Tehran Times.
“I want to participate in the Iran league this year. I am among the top three swimmers [healthy] in the 100m breaststroke and I can also take part in the other events,” he added.
“I am honored to have won six gold in the Asian Para Games, but I also want to grab my first ever medal in Paralympics”, Izadyar concluded.
