Olivier Rioux, an incoming freshman at the University of Florida, is set to make history as the tallest college basketball player ever at an astounding 7’9″. The Montreal native, who once held the Guinness World Record for the tallest teenager, has experienced a remarkable growth journey that has led him to this unprecedented milestone.
Rioux’s extraordinary height has been evident from a young age. At just eight years old, he stood 6’1″, and by sixth grade, he was approaching 7 feet. His commitment to the Florida Gators last fall listed him at 7’6″, but recent roster updates now place him at 7’9″, surpassing the previous record held by Paul Sturgess, who stood at 7’8″ while playing for Florida Tech and Mountain State from 2007 to 2011.
At 18 years old, there’s speculation that Rioux may still be growing. If he maintains his current trajectory and makes it to the NBA, he could potentially become the tallest player in the league’s history as well.
Rioux has embraced his unique stature, expressing in a previous Guinness World Records interview that he enjoys the attention and interactions his height brings. He views his height as an advantage in basketball, saying, “I see everything from a higher angle, which gives me an advantage during a game.”
The Canadian athlete comes from a tall family, with his father standing at 6’8″ and his mother at 6’2″. However, even Rioux admits that the exact reason for his extreme height remains a mystery, with doctors attributing it primarily to genetics.
While Rioux’s height offers many advantages, particularly in basketball, it also comes with challenges. Finding appropriate clothing and navigating standard-sized environments can be difficult. Despite these obstacles, Rioux maintains a positive outlook, stating, “This is what nature planned for me. I learned to be peaceful and happy about it.”
Rioux’s basketball journey began at age 5, and his height has been a factor throughout his career. In high school, he noted that opponents often challenged him more intensely due to his size, viewing him as a formidable adversary.
As Rioux prepares to join the Gators, the basketball world watches with anticipation. His unprecedented height could revolutionize college basketball strategies and potentially influence the future of the sport at higher levels.
While Rioux’s 7’9″ stature is extraordinary in the world of basketball, it’s worth noting that he’s not the tallest man in the world. That title belongs to Sultan Kösen, a Turkish farmer who stands at nearly 8’3″.
As Olivier Rioux embarks on his college basketball career, he’s not just reaching new heights physically; he’s also elevating the possibilities of what can be achieved in the sport.
CNN
