Olivier Rioux, born on February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, is a Canadian college basketball player who plays as a center for the Florida Gators in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Standing at an extraordinary 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters) tall, he holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest teenager.
Rioux’s height became evident at an early age; by age 8, he was already 6 feet 1 inch tall. He continued to grow rapidly, reaching 6 feet 11 inches by sixth grade and surpassing 7 feet before entering seventh grade. Throughout his youth, he represented Canada in several FIBA events, including the U16 Americas Championship, U17 World Cup, U19 World Cup, and U18 AmeriCup.
Before joining the University of Florida, Rioux played at IMG Academy in Florida, where he further developed his basketball skills. In November 2024, he committed to the Florida Gators. During his freshman year (2024–2025), Rioux redshirted, meaning he did not participate in official games to preserve eligibility and focus on adjusting to the collegiate level.
Despite not playing in games, Rioux gained significant attention during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. A photo featuring him alongside CBS Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson went viral, highlighting the contrast between his towering presence and her height. Additionally, his unique ability to cut down the net without a ladder during post-game ceremonies showcased his remarkable stature.
Looking ahead, Rioux’s impressive height positions him as a potential candidate for the NBA, where he could become one of the tallest players in league history. As he continues to develop his skills and conditioning, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the sport.