The world of US college basketball has witnessed a literal giant leap. Olivier Rioux, the Canadian teenager who holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest teenager on the planet, has now etched his name into the sport's history books by becoming the tallest player ever to execute a slam dunk in US college basketball.
A Record-Shattering Dunk for the Florida Gators
The historic moment occurred during a game where Rioux's team, the Florida Gators, dominated Saint Francis with a 102-61 victory. Standing at a staggering seven feet and nine inches (approximately 2.36 meters), Rioux's dunk wasn't just two points on the board; it was the culmination of a lifetime of standing out. This feat adds another remarkable record to his name, following his official recognition by Guinness World Records in 2021 when he was already 7 feet 5 inches tall at a younger age.
Now 19, the athlete from Terrebonne, Quebec, has been accustomed to attention since childhood. He surpassed the 6-foot mark by age eight and grew to over 7 feet before even starting the seventh grade. His family, while tall, was left behind long ago. His mother is 6'2", his father 6'8", and his older brother 6'9". Rioux humorously recalls the day he officially outgrew them all at his grandmother's measuring wall.
Life as a Gentle Giant: Custom Beds and Size 20 Shoes
Navigating a world built for average height comes with unique challenges for Rioux. His daily life involves a series of adaptations. He requires custom-made items, most notably a specially sized bed, as he barely fits diagonally on a standard queen mattress on campus. Doorways are a hazard, often requiring him to duck to avoid hitting his head. He wears a size 20 shoe and sources most of his wardrobe from team gear. Simple acts like squeezing into a classroom desk or deciding not to ride a scooter due to a lack of trust in his balance highlight the extraordinary reality of his stature.
Despite the constant curious stares and questions, Rioux maintains a remarkably positive and polite demeanor, a trait he partly attributes to his Canadian upbringing. He views the interactions as a natural part of his life, stating that you simply get used to it and that talking to curious people can be nice.
The Road to the NBA and a Potential Record for the Ages
Rioux's journey in basketball began at the age of five. He honed his skills at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida before joining the University of Florida as a preferred walk-on, choosing the Gators over offers from other colleges.
His current achievement is a significant milestone, but his ultimate dream looms even larger: the NBA. Should he make it to the premier basketball league, he would shatter another monumental record. He would eclipse the legendary Manute Bol and Gheorghe Muresan, both 7 feet 7 inches tall, to become the tallest player in NBA history. For context, current towering stars like the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (7'4") and the Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Edey (7'3") would also look up to Rioux.
Beyond the court, Rioux enjoys drawing in his spare time, showcasing the gentle personality behind the towering frame. As he continues his development with the Florida Gators, the sports world watches with anticipation to see how high this record-breaking young man can ultimately reach.
