Hossein Rezazadeh has found his way into the hearts of all Iran. Why do his fans support him like they do?

It seems it was only yesterday that the attention of Iranians around the world was focused on Athens, Greece. I remember clearly sitting in the living room with my family watching the 2004 Olympic Games live.
We were having fun, talking and laughing until it was Hossein Rezazadeh's turn. It was as though we all had to sit for a test. Butterflies in our stomachs, there was no sound in the house. No one said a word while he prepared himself.
When he stepped to the bar my heart pounded faster and faster. When he cried out 'Ya Abalfazl' and lifted the weight successfully, I couldn't understand what I was feeling. My arms were covered with goose bumps, my eyes full of tears and my heart just kept shouting: He did it! He did it again! These are memories that not just anyone can create, and no one can take away.
When a champion leaves, his or her memory shall live on!
Hossein Rezazadeh, a true Ardebilian, has found his way into the hearts of all Iranians. In 2000, CNN Sports Illustrated quoted two-time silver medalist for Germany, Ronny Weller talking about Rezazadeh, ""I still don't know his name and I can't even quite tell you what he looks like, but he is a very surprising competitor.""
It seems this will not be the case now. Sydney might not have granted him fame or recognition internationally, but Athens did. He is grateful for all his medals, but Rezazadeh felt major pressure in Athens because none of his compatriots had won gold medals.
Why do his fans support him as much as they do? Even now that he has stepped down, why are they still cheering on?
Rezazadeh lives by certain principles and has specific values. This is why people cherish him. Yes, being a four-time gold medalist helps, but it doesn't take you as far as you'd think.
After Hossein turned down lucrative offers from the Turkish and Greek Weightlifting Federations, the people of Iran embraced him. He showed himself to be truly one of them.
He impressed everyone with his patriotism when he declared he is an Iranian and he loves his country and people. In an interview he says that there are things in life that money cannot buy. His morals are what have kept him in the hearts of millions.
Hossein Rezazadeh was one of the early birds to arrive in the city of Bam when it was ruined by an earthquake. He believes that going to such places and helping those in need is his duty.
This pampering of his fans is shocking on many levels. A father of a nine-year old girl insisted that Rezazadeh visit his daughter; he traveled to a city in the north of Iran to do just that. That is not something many famous people, even heavyweight champions, would be willing to do.
He feels a sense of responsibility to never disappoint the people of Iran. This is something that a person does from the heart. He who gives from the heart receives from the heart as well.
When you look at pictures of Rezazadeh in Athens, you might wonder what is written on his shirt, especially because sporting authorities try their best to keep slogans off competitors clothing.
In Arabic script is written 'Ya Abalfazl' or 'Ya Abolfazl,' depending on how it is pronounced. It means 'Oh Abolfazl!' A short debriefing on Islamic history is needed to catch the significance of this name.
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had a son-in-law named Ali (AS). Imam Ali had many sons, two of whom were Imam Hossein and Abalfazl. They are both buried in the holy city of Karbala in Iraq. When a person says 'Ya Hossein' or 'Ya Abalfazl,' he is seeking their help. He views their names like a rope, one to climb up to get help from Allah.
Hossein Rezazadeh is well known for calling upon Abalfazl in time of need. Any person can say this phrase, but not everyone can give me goose bumps when I hear it on the television.
When a person truly believes in something, it can be anything really, he or she will be able to affect others with their beliefs. The Hercules of Iran has such deeply embedded religious beliefs that he shakes the hearts of fellow believers around the globe. He shall not be forgotten.
Among our prayers, we ask God to make us loved and popular in heaven and on earth. Why should being loved and popular be important to us? When a person is in a certain position and has special characteristics, he can manifest God's blessings.
We do not ask this for our personal endeavors. Along with fame comes responsibility. A true believer in God and His Prophet knows that all he or she has in this world is from Allah, nothing else. The Almighty can take it away at any time, or He can increase it as He sees fit.
Let us cherish the moments we had with Hossein Rezazadeh. He will continue his national efforts in the Weightlifting Federation of Iran. He is a legend in the sports world and in our hearts. He will live on and so will his values. Values like helping others and being content with what you have.
Let's not allow the people in our lives to get by us. Let's learn from each and every one of them. If we do that, we will have filled our life journals with lessons from those we love.
(weightliftingexchange.com