According to a recent ESPN report, Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux is the tallest player in NCAA Division I history at 7’9″. The Canadian has garnered a lot of attention from various media outlets during the Gators’ run to the final of the NCAA Tournament, but how big is his wingspan?
Rioux currently claims the Guinness World Record for the world’s tallest living teenager. On his profile, he mentions that his height is simply due to his family’s genetics. Both of his parents are former athletes, at 6’8″ and 6’2″, respectively.
Florida’s Olivier Rioux Opens Up About His Height
In a recent interview with ESPN, the Canadian spoke about how his height has brought about fame on his college campus, claiming that he can’t even walk the halls without being stopped for photos.
What 7’9″ Florida center Olivier Rioux looks like up close 😲 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/WuiSaiAdCo
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 4, 2025
“Well, I’ve learned how to say ‘no,'” Rioux joked. “Obviously, you’ve got to be respectful and all that, but I’ve learned how to say ‘no.’ Obviously, you’ve got to say yes to kids, 100 percent,” the teenager said.
Rioux also divulged the number of calories a 7’9 “College athlete has to consume weekly, an absurd amount, according to his claims.
“It’s three meals. Yeah, it’s three meals and two plates. It’s about 6,000 calories.” Rioux told ESPN.
What Is Oliver Rioux’s Wingspan?
According to reports, the Canadian’s wingspan is between 7’10” and 8’0″. In comparison, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neil had a wingspan of 7’7″, and San Antonio Spur Victor Wambanyama recorded at 8’0″.
With the Gators set to face off against the Houston Cougars in the national championship on Monday night, Rioux has not seen a minute of game time in the postseason. The freshman claims that it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable experience despite the fact.
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“It’s amazing. I think it’s part of the dream for everybody in the sport, and it’s amazing for me to be a part of this.” Rioux told ESPN.
The teenager will still be a freshman next year because he was redshirted at the start of the 2024-2025 season, meaning he still has four years of eligibility left.
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