The world’s tallest teenager, Olivier Rioux, who has committed to play for the University of Florida’s collegiate basketball team for the 2024-25 season, continues to break records and grow taller at the age of 18, astonishing everyone with his incredible height.
According to an update on the University of Florida’s website, Rioux is now listed at 2.36 meters (7 feet and 9 inches), extending his Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager in the world, a title he has held since he was 16 years old, when he measured 2.26 meters (7 feet and 5 inches).
This is how Olivier Rioux, the Guinness World Record holder for ‘World’s Tallest Teenager’, plays
This extraordinary growth spurt has made Rioux a fascinating figure in the basketball world, drawing significant attention from fans and scouts alike.
The center from Canada has been over two meters tall since at least sixth grade, making him a standout player from a young age. His towering presence on the court has only grown more imposing over the years.
As recently as April, his height was reported at 2.31 meters, meaning he has grown 5 centimeters in just two months, with no signs of stopping anytime soon. This rapid growth raises intriguing possibilities about his future potential and impact on the sport.
Rioux has represented Canada in various international FIBA competitions, including the under-19 World Cup in 2023, the under-17 World Cup in 2022, and the under-18 Americas Championship in 2024.
His performance in these tournaments has showcased his skills and potential, making him a promising prospect for both collegiate and professional basketball.
The Tallest in NBA History
If Rioux makes it to the NBA, he would set the record as the tallest player of all time, surpassing Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, who both stood at 2.31 meters when they debuted in the league, with Muresan being slightly taller by mere millimeters.
Rioux’s journey to the NBA would not only be a personal triumph but also a historic milestone in the sport.
Currently, the tallest active players in the NBA are Serbian Boban Marjanovic, who plays for the Houston Rockets, and the San Antonio Spurs‘ Rookie of the Year, Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, both standing at 2.24 meters tall.
These players have demonstrated how height can be a significant advantage in the game, and Rioux‘s potential to exceed them in stature could bring new dynamics to professional basketball.
British player Paul Sturgess holds the record for the tallest player in the history of American collegiate basketball. The former Florida Tech and Mountain State player measured 2.34 meters during his college career from 2007 to 2011, although he never played in the NBA.
Rioux‘s commitment to the University of Florida and his continuing growth suggest he could break Sturgess‘s collegiate record as well.