In May 2025, the White House became the center of a viral sensation when President Donald Trump welcomed the NCAA men’s basketball champion Florida Gators. The highlight was 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux—officially the world’s tallest teenager, according to Guinness—towering over everyone, including 6’9″ Barron Trump.
The 19-year-old center from Quebec, Canada, stunned viewers as images from the visit exploded online. The encounter quickly became one of the year’s most buzzed-about crossovers between sports and pop culture.
When Donald Trump Met 7’9” Olivier Rioux: A White House Moment That Broke the Internet
In May 2025, the NCAA champion Florida Gators visited the White House, but 7’9″ center Olivier Rioux—and not the national title—captured headlines. Rioux, a 19-year-old from Montreal’s Anjou borough, stood next to President Donald Trump, who greeted him with a surprised,
“You’re a beautiful-looking guy.” As cameras clicked and social media buzzed, Trump couldn’t help but marvel at Rioux’s size, adding, “Boy, what a big advantage, huh?”
President @realDonaldTrump meets Olivier Rioux, 7-foot-9 Florida Gators basketball player! 🏀🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cH2eB2XfGf
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 21, 2025
Recognized by Guinness as the world’s tallest teenager, Rioux easily dwarfed even Barron Trump, who stands about 6-foot-9. Though he didn’t play in Florida’s win over Houston, a Gators coach assured reporters that Rioux is “getting there.” The team redshirted him during his freshman season to give the former international standout more time to adjust.
“He’s arguably the most unique prospect in college,” Florida head coach Todd Golden told the Orlando Sentinel. “He’s 7-7 ½ without shoes on. Both our program and him understand that it’s a long road for him, because he’s different. His best basketball might be down the road.”
Rioux’s development has been deliberate. He’s focused on improving movement, explosiveness and agility—areas that don’t come easily given his frame.
“His ability to run, he made great strides that way,” Golden said. “He has better hands and better feel than you would think… If he can keep improving there, then he has a chance down the road. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s not a zero either.”
A product of a very tall family—his mother is 6’2″, his father 6’8″, and his older brother 6’9″—Rioux embraced basketball early. Now a preferred walk-on at Florida, he remains a focal point of curiosity and admiration in Gainesville.
“It’s amazing the way he embraces it,” teammate Micah Handlogten said. “He doesn’t shy away from it.”
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With summer workouts beginning soon, Rioux continues his journey with Canada’s U-19 team—eager to contribute next season, possibly even flat-footed while clipping nets again.
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