Oliver Rioux

About

Canadian basketball player best known for playing as a center throughout his collegiate career. He began playing for the University of Florida Gators of the Southeastern Conference in 2025. At age 15, he stood 7 ft 5 in, and in 2021 he made history when Guinness World Records recognized him as the tallest teenager in the world. He has since grown to a height of 7 ft 9 in.

Before Fame

He began playing basketball when he was only five years old. By the time he was 12, he already stood at 6 ft 10 in, which led him to garner attention while playing internationally for the French Phenoms. Prior to beginning his collegiate career, he also played for Real Madrid and the Canadian AAU team Brookwood Elite. He attended high school at Bradenton, FL's IMG Academy.

Trivia

He has represented Canada on a national level, helping his home country win bronze medals at both the 2021 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship and the 2024 FIBA Under-18 AmeriCup in Argentina. Representing Canada, he also played in tournaments such as the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup.

Family Life

He was born to parents Anne Gariépy, who has worked at the Royal Bank of Canada, and Jean-François Rioux, a photographer and former volleyball player. His parents stand at 6 ft 1 in and 6 ft 8 in, respectively. He has one older brother named Émile who stands at 6 ft 9 in and has also played basketball.

Associated With

He was recognized as the tallest person without gigantism or acromegaly, joining a list that also includes actor Neil Fingleton.