He set a world record of 468 1/4 pounds (212.5 kg) in the snatch, then raised 573 pounds (260 kg) on a single lift in the clean and jerk to break Weller's overall record of 1,025 1/4 pounds (465 kg).
Athens 2004
Hercules is Iranian!
Reuters, Athens
There may be no such thing as perfection but it takes a brave man to tell Hoss-ein Rezazadeh, the world's st-rongest man, that he is doing it all wrong.
Shane Hamman was willing to try, though.
"His technique could definitely be better," the American said after the 26-year-old "Iranian Hercules" had destroyed Hamman and the rest of the field in the Olympic super-heavyweight weightlifting division on Wednesday.
"He bends his arms and you are supposed to keep them straight. But he has short arms and that helps him," said Hamman, who finished seventh in the over 105 kg class, after Rezazadeh broke his own world record in the clean and jerk.
The American conceded: "He is intimidating with the ease with which he lifts those weights.
"He is the strongest man I have ever seen."
Rezazadeh came from nowhere four years ago to win the crown and his title was never in serious threat in Athens.
He thrilled the crowd, which included dozens of Iranians assuring him with cries of "May God help you".
Before each lift, Rezazadeh uttered a traditional Shi'ite Muslim prayer and finished by setting a world record lift in the clean and jerk of 263.5 kg for a total of 472.5 kg.
Back home in Iran, his new victory set off wild rejoicing.
"I was so proud because this year we sent Hercules to Athens," said Shirin, 35, a furniture designer in Tehran.
"He won because he believes in God," the Islamic Republic's Abrar-e Varzeshi newspaper said.
"Iran's national anthem was played in Athens, thanks to our champion," said the state-run Iran newspaper.
"His gold gained Iran respect."
President Mohammad Khatami told Rezazadeh in a message: "Your ranking first was not only a sporting victory but a proper response to our nation's expectations. I congratulate you, therefore, for delighting the hearts of the Iranian nation."
State television on Wednesday showed hundreds of people in Rezazadeh's home city of Ardebil cheering and letting off fireworks to celebrate the local hero's triumph.
"We thank you for delighting tens of millions of Iranians," Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a message.
Rezazadeh, a devout Muslim who whispers a prayer before each lift, came from nowhere four years ago to win the crown and his title was never in serious threat in Athens.
His victory confirmed his status as the country's only real sporting superstar. His stocky form gazes down from Tehran billboards advertising a motor oil, vying with Michael Schumacher and David Beckham who front rival brands.
Iran's other best chance for a medal ended in controversy last week when judo world champion Arash Miresmaeili pulled out after being drawn against an Israeli in the first round.
