Olivier Rioux – Height, Stats and the Tallest Teenager Record
At 7 feet 9 inches tall, Olivier Rioux is one of the most physically imposing figures ever to step onto a college basketball court. The Canadian center holds a Guinness World Record as the tallest male teenager and has drawn attention everywhere from Quebec high school gyms to the NCAA. His move from the Florida Gators to the UC Irvine Anteaters in 2026 marked a new chapter in a career defined by extraordinary height – and by the questions that come with it.
Rioux was born in Terrebonne, Quebec, and grew up in a family where tall stature was the norm. His father, a former volleyball player, stands 6 feet 8 inches; his mother is 6 feet 2 inches. By age 8, Rioux was already 6 feet 1 inch. By 15, he had reached 7 feet 5 inches and was officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the tallest teenager alive. Two years later, he had added another 4 inches, reaching the 7-foot-9 mark that now appears on official college rosters.
His collegiate career began at the University of Florida, where he redshirted the 2024–25 season and appeared sparingly. In April 2026 he entered the transfer portal and ultimately committed to UC Irvine, where he will continue to develop as a redshirt freshman. For fans and scouts alike, the central question remains: what can a player of this size achieve on the court?
How tall is Olivier Rioux? Height, shoe size, and age
7’9″ (2.36 m) with shoes
305 lbs (138 kg)
20 (US)
19 (born Feb 2, 2006)
- Olivier Rioux is one of the tallest active college basketball players.
- He previously held the Guinness World Record for tallest male teenager at 7’5.33″ (226.9 cm).
- His height has reportedly increased to 7’9″ since the record.
- He plays as a center and has limited game statistics due to minimal playing time.
- He transferred from Florida Gators to UC Irvine for the 2025–26 season.
- Information about his parents and early childhood height is scarce.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olivier Rioux |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 2006 |
| Place of Birth | Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada |
| Height | 7’9″ (2.36 m) with shoes |
| Weight | 305 lbs (138 kg) |
| Shoe Size | 20 (US) |
| Position | Center |
| High School | IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) |
| College | UC Irvine Anteaters (previously Florida Gators) |
| Record | Tallest male teenager (2019 record: 226.9 cm) |
What are Olivier Rioux’s college basketball stats and NBA prospects?
What are Olivier Rioux’s college basketball stats?
During the 2024–25 season at Florida, Rioux appeared in a limited number of games and recorded 0.6 points per game and 0.0 rebounds. His playing time was minimal, partly because he was a redshirt freshman adjusting to the college level. Official statistics from ESPN reflect these modest numbers. At UC Irvine, he will have a fresh opportunity to earn minutes and develop his game.
Rioux’s sparse game appearances mean his statistical profile is thin. Scouts and analysts have little game footage to evaluate, so projections about his college production remain uncertain. The transfer to UC Irvine may offer a clearer picture in the 2025–26 season.
Will Olivier Rioux play in the NBA?
No expert projections are publicly available at this time. The NBA has seen very few players over 7 feet 6 inches, and those who did play often faced mobility and injury challenges. Whether Rioux can translate his size into a professional career depends on his development at UC Irvine and his ability to stay healthy. For now, his NBA draft potential remains speculative.
Where can I find Olivier Rioux highlights?
Limited video clips appear on YouTube and social media. His Instagram account occasionally posts training footage. College sports networks may include him in game recaps, but dedicated highlight reels are scarce due to his limited playing time.
Who are Olivier Rioux’s parents? Early life and background
Who are Olivier Rioux’s parents?
His father is Jean‑François Rioux, a photographer and former volleyball player who stands 6 feet 8 inches. His mother is Anne Gariépy, who works at the Royal Bank of Canada and is 6 feet 2 inches. Rioux also has an older brother, Émile, who is 6 feet 9 inches and played basketball. The family’s height is attributed to genetics; doctors have not identified a specific medical condition to explain Rioux’s extreme stature, according to an interview with Guinness World Records.
Rioux has stated that doctors could only explain his height through family genetics, noting that they are “a pretty tall family.” Both parents and his brother are well above average height, but no one else approaches Rioux’s 7‑foot‑9 frame.
How tall was Olivier Rioux at age 8?
According to reporting from People, he was already 6 feet 1 inch at age 8. He surpassed the 7‑foot mark just before entering seventh grade and reached 7 feet 5 inches by age 15. No exact measurements are publicly available for every age in between, but the growth pattern is consistent with someone who would later set a world record.
Is Olivier Rioux the tallest teenager ever?
Guinness World Records officially declared him the tallest male teenager in 2021, when he measured 226.9 cm (7 feet 5.33 inches). That record has not been superseded. He is the tallest college basketball player in history to appear in a game, according to the Yahoo Sports report.
A timeline of Olivier Rioux’s life and career
- – Born in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada.
- – At age 8, reportedly already extremely tall (estimated 6’1″ based on later growth).
- – Awarded Guinness World Record for tallest male teenager at 226.9 cm (7’5.33″).
- – Attended IMG Academy in Florida, playing high school basketball.
- – Committed to University of Florida Gators.
- – Redshirt freshman season at Florida; limited appearances.
- – Transferred to UC Irvine Anteaters for 2025–26 season.
- – Listed at 7’9″ (2.36 m) on team roster; continues college career.
What is known and what remains unclear about Olivier Rioux?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Current height is 7’9″ with shoes – confirmed by Florida Gators and UC Irvine rosters. | Height progression from age 8 to present – no verified records at specific ages except the 2019 record. |
| Guinness World Record for tallest teenager (male) held by Olivier Rioux at 226.9 cm – official record. | NBA draft potential – no expert projections available; purely speculative. |
| Transfer from Florida to UC Irvine – confirmed per Wikipedia biography. | Parents’ identities – no public information beyond what is listed (names and heights are known, but personal details are scarce). |
Why does Olivier Rioux’s height matter in basketball?
Extreme height is rare even at the professional level. The tallest NBA players in history – Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol – both stood 7 feet 7 inches. Rioux, at 7 feet 9 inches, is taller than both. However, playing at that height presents unique challenges: mobility, injury risk, and medical considerations must be carefully managed. His limited playing time at Florida reflects the difficulty of integrating a player of his size into the fast pace of modern college basketball. At UC Irvine, his development path will be closely watched, not only for what he can contribute but for what his career might reveal about the intersection of extreme height and elite sport.
What do official sources say about Olivier Rioux?
“I’m Olivier Rioux from Quebec, Canada, and I hold the record for the tallest teenager (male).”
Guinness World Records (kids site)
“Height: 7-9, Weight: 305, Class: Redshirt Freshman, Hometown: Terrebonne, Quebec.”
Florida Gators official roster (floridagators.com)
“Olivier Rioux is a Canadian college basketball player for the UC Irvine Anteaters.”
Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
What is the key takeaway about Olivier Rioux?
Olivier Rioux is a singular figure in college basketball – a 7‑foot‑9 Canadian teenager who already holds a world record before his 20th birthday. His physical attributes are rare, but his on‑court production remains unproven. The transfer to UC Irvine opens a new window for evaluation. Readers interested in similar athlete profiles may want to check Julian Cash – Bio, Ranking, Wimbledon Win & Net Worth and Desire Doue – Full Biography, Career Stats and Market Value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall was Olivier Rioux at age 8?
No exact measurement is publicly available, but given he held the tallest teen record at age 13–14, he was already exceptionally tall as a child. Some estimates suggest he was over 6 feet tall at age 8, but this is not officially confirmed.
Where can I find Olivier Rioux highlights?
Limited game highlights are available on YouTube and social media. His Instagram account (@olivier.rioux) occasionally posts clips. College sports networks may feature him in game recaps.
Is Olivier Rioux the tallest person in the world?
No. The tallest living person is Sultan Kösen (8’2.8″). Rioux is among the tallest basketball players but not the tallest human.
What high school did Olivier Rioux attend?
He attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his high school basketball career.
When did Olivier Rioux transfer to UC Irvine?
He officially transferred on April 30, 2026, after entering the NCAA transfer portal on March 31, 2026.
What position does Olivier Rioux play?
He plays the center position.
How does Olivier Rioux’s height compare to NBA players?
At 7’9″, he is taller than any current NBA player. The tallest players in NBA history, Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, were 7’7″.
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