Gators’ Olivier Rioux Embraces Record-Breaking Height in New Scenery
In the world of basketball, few athletes are as unique as Olivier Rioux, a freshman center for the Florida Gators standing at an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches. This remarkable height has earned him a Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager alive, but it’s not just about the numbers for Rioux; it’s about embracing his identity in a new environment.
Rioux, who hails from a family of tall individuals—his father is 6 feet 8 inches, his mother 6 feet 2 inches, and his brother 6 feet 9 inches—has been accustomed to standing out. Growing up, he faced daily inquiries about his height, a reality he has learned to accept and even enjoy. “You get asked questions every day,” he remarked. “When you’re outside, you don’t have a single second to yourself. But that’s just part of who I am.”
Now attending the University of Florida, Rioux’s height attracts significant attention, particularly from fans and students who often stop him for photos. Just before a media session, he noted that he had already taken three selfies that morning. On game days, when the football team plays, that number swells even further, with nearly 90,000 fans present. Despite not seeking this attention, he welcomes it, showing a cheerful disposition when approached.
His teammate, fellow 7-footer Micah Handlogten, praised Rioux for his ability to embrace this attention. Handlogten noted that while he once experienced similar recognition, the focus has shifted to Rioux since they often appear in public together. “It’s amazing how he handles it. People look up to him, and he loves it,” Handlogten said.
Their camaraderie extends beyond their height. A humorous moment during practice saw Handlogten, recovering from an ankle injury, jumping up to high-five Rioux, a gesture that showcases their bond and playful interactions.
Life as one of the tallest players comes with its challenges. Rioux often finds himself ducking under doorways and ordering clothes online to accommodate his size. He had a custom bed as a child but is currently satisfied with a queen-sized mattress shared with teammates. Despite these quirks of life, Rioux is grounded and maintains a balanced perspective.
Height-wise, his journey has been extraordinary; he hit the 6-foot mark by age 11 and reached 7 feet by 12. “I was taller than my teacher,” he recalled, highlighting how his stature has shaped his life experiences.
Yet, Rioux is more than just a towering figure. He has a passion for drawing and enjoys spending time outdoors, reflecting a well-rounded personality that he attributes to his Canadian upbringing. He also makes a point to clarify the pronunciation of his name—Olivier, pronounced “O-liv-ee-ay”—indicating his pride in his identity.
His work ethic on the court is impressive. Rioux dedicates extra time after practices, shooting for up to an hour and incorporating cardio workouts to improve his conditioning. “I stay after practice because I don’t have time between classes,” he explained. “I just want to get better every day.”
While Rioux may not be expected to play a significant role this season, he remains focused on his personal development. The Gators will depend heavily on transfers Rueben Chinyelu and Sam Alexis, as well as sophomores Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, to manage the front court. Still, Rioux has set a goal for himself: to contribute on the court, even if it means taking small steps to improve.
“Improving every day is key,” he stated. “Even if it’s just by one percent, I want to get better at everything.”
Interestingly, he sees himself not just as a dunker or rebounder but also as a passer. He cites Magic Johnson as a role model, emphasizing the importance of versatility in his game. His height may provide natural advantages, but his skills and approach to the game reveal his dedication to becoming a well-rounded player.
Despite not having played yet, Rioux is quickly gaining popularity among fans. His unique story and character are likely to resonate with the Rowdy Reptile student section, who might be eager to cheer him on during his debut. “I expect it to be a bit rowdy when I get to play because I’m tall and people like that,” he said, hinting at the excitement surrounding his potential contributions.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how much playing time Rioux will receive, but one thing is clear: his presence, both on and off the court, will continue to capture attention. Whether he steps onto the hardwood or not, Rioux’s journey in Gainesville has just begun, and he is more than ready to embrace it.
