Key Highlights
- Olivier Rioux holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest teenager.
- Rioux is the tallest player in college basketball history and has already broken multiple records.
- At 7-foot-9, Rioux faces unique challenges both on and off the court.
- Rioux’s journey from Canada to Florida highlights his determination and adaptability.
The Giant Among Us: Olivier Rioux in Florida
Step into the dining hall of the University of Florida, and you’ll spot a towering figure. It’s not just any student; it’s 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux, who has been turning heads since he was a kid.
The Record-Breaking Rise
At an on-campus dining hall in September, a fork and knife looked like a toddler’s toy utensils in the massive hands of Rioux. “I wear size 20 shoes,” Rioux told ESPN. “I eat 5,000 to 6,000 calories every day.” It’s fuel for a body with proportions college basketball has never seen.
When he made his much-anticipated debut for the Gators in early November, Rioux became the tallest player in college basketball history. Two weeks later, he scored his first points with a free throw and then added a field goal with a late-game dunk in mid-December. His presence on the court is a spectacle.
The Big Picture
Before Florida, Rioux was just a tall kid in Montreal who towered over peers, teachers, and eventually most of the globe. By age 12, he was nearly 7 feet tall. Free clothes and shoes, training on the grassroots circuit, and facing a 6-foot-10 NBA forward were part of his early journey.
His unique size and stature make him a walking selfie opportunity for passersby.
The redshirt freshman’s main focus is to earn more playing time while balancing life as a college student. Florida sees potential but acknowledges the long road ahead.
A Rock Star’s Life
Rioux sometimes basks in the fame and attention of a rock star, yet he yearns for recognition beyond his height. “Whenever I’m out with the guys or the team, I’m like, ‘I don’t want any pictures,’” he said. “But anything involving kids asking for pictures, I’ll do it because I don’t want to feel bad.”
His story isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about blending into a world made for the masses but not a 7-9 man. From airport jet bridges to classroom seats, Rioux navigates challenges that most people never face.
A New Chapter
Rioux faces tough competition from established frontcourt players like Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh in Florida’s pecking order. His goal is to push himself to be a key player next season. Whether he achieves this at Florida or elsewhere, his journey so far is nothing short of extraordinary.
“I think a lot of people don’t really know what I’m committed to doing,” Rioux said. “Obviously, you see a highlight here and there, but you don’t see what the person is capable of doing.”
Rioux’s determination and work ethic will be key as he continues his basketball journey in Gainesville.