Olivier Rioux: Parents Height | Does He Have Gigantism | Recruiting

Olivier Rioux has rapidly become one of the most talked-about figures in college and international basketball. Standing at a staggering 7 feet 9 inches, Rioux is not just tall — he is among the tallest basketball players in the world and has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s legends. But how did he get so tall? Who are his parents? Does he have a medical condition like gigantism? And what does his recruiting journey look like as he transitions from youth phenom to a Florida Gators athlete? Let’s dive into the full story.

1. Introduction

Height in basketball is often viewed as a natural advantage. From Wilt Chamberlain to Manute Bol, towering athletes have reshaped the game. Olivier Rioux raises the bar — quite literally. At 7′9″, he has drawn global attention not only for his physical stature but also for his emerging potential on the court. His journey begins with his family’s genetics, progresses through youth basketball stardom, and continues with a growing presence in the NCAA. 

2. Who Is Olivier Rioux?

Olivier “Ollie” Rioux was born on February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada. From a very young age, Rivoux was noticeably taller than his peers — he was already over 6 feet by age 8 and continued to grow rapidly through his teenage years. His height earned him the Guinness World Record title for the tallest teenager at one point, officially landing him in record books. 

Rioux plays basketball and is listed as a center for the University of Florida Gators. After spending time in prestigious prep programs like IMG Academy in Florida, he committed to Florida and joined the team initially as a walk-on before getting increased involvement with the squad. 

3. Parents of Olivier Rioux — Height and Background

Family Genetics and Height

Olivier’s extraordinary height is deeply rooted in his genetics. Both of his parents are exceptionally tall compared to average adults, contributing significantly to his growth pattern:

• Father — Jean-François Rioux: Around 6′8″ tall and a former competitive volleyball player. His athletic background provided a strong genetic base for height. 

• Mother — Anne Gariépy: Around 6′2″ tall, with her own athletic and academic background. 

Sibling Influence

Rioux also has an older brother named Émile Rioux, who stands around 6′9″ and also played basketball. Athleticism clearly runs in the family, with longer limbs and height being a common trait. 

Family Support and Life

While his physical stature draws attention wherever he goes, his family remains a source of grounding and normalcy. Growing up in a tall household meant that Ollie’s extreme height wasn’t as unusual at home as it might be elsewhere — his brother and parents helped him adapt to public attention and learn confidence from a young age. 

4. Is Olivier Rioux’s Height Due to Gigantism?

One question frequently asked about Rioux is whether his height is due to a medical condition like gigantism. Gigantism is a rare condition usually caused by excess growth hormone production in childhood, leading to extreme height and disproportionate growth.

What the Evidence Says

• No public medical diagnosis: As of now, there are no confirmed reports or medical records indicating that Rioux has gigantism. Doctors quoted in some interviews suggested that his extraordinary growth is due to family genetics. 

• Proportionate growth: Observers have noted that Rioux’s body proportions (bone length, limb size, and physical symmetry) do not display the typical signs of medical gigantism, which often includes other physical anomalies. Social media discussions about his condition are speculative and not medically verified.

Genetic Predisposition vs. Medical Condition

While his height is rare, experts seem to lean towards a model where genetics — particularly having both parents well above average height — explain much of Rioux’s size without the need for a medical condition. Given that his parents and brother are all exceptionally tall, this pattern suggests strong genetic height potential. 

5. Early Life — Growing Up Tall

Rioux’s physical development attracted attention from a very early age. By the time he was in elementary school, he already towered above his teachers, and each year brought significant visible growth. His rapid gains in size naturally drew public curiosity, but he credited his family for helping him stay confident and grounded through it all. 

His childhood was filled with both challenges and opportunities:

• Custom accommodations: Everyday activities like finding clothing and fitting into spaces required customization due to his height. 

• Public attention: Growing up so tall means Rioux often drew stares, questions, and social media attention even before his athletic achievements. 

6. Basketball Development and Early Success

Starting Young

Rioux began playing basketball around the age of 5, quickly showcasing an affinity for the sport. Initially playing with his older brother and local teams in Canada, his height naturally made him a dominant force near the basket. 

Youth and International Play

As he continued to grow, Rioux played on various elite youth teams, including a stint with Real Madrid’s youth program and Canadian national youth squads. He represented Canada at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup and won bronze at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup — notable achievements that helped boost his recruiting profile. 

Viral Fame

A viral highlight reel from Rioux’s early years helped introduce him to a global audience, showcasing how his size translated into dominating play on the court and giving scouts more eyes on him. 

7. Recruiting Journey — IMG Academy to Florida Gators

Prep School and Development

In pursuit of higher competition and skill refinement, Rioux attended IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida — a renowned prep school known for developing elite basketball talent.

At IMG, Rioux faced stronger competition and received coaching that emphasized not just height, but footwork, coordination, and basketball IQ. This move was a pivotal step in transitioning from a standout youth player in Canada to an NCAA recruit.

Recruiting Rankings and Offers

While extreme height naturally drew attention, recruiting services rated Rioux as a prospect with project potential due to his need to refine skills and adapt to higher levels of play. Nevertheless, he attracted interest from multiple schools and eventually committed to the University of Florida. 

Commitment and Role at Florida

Rioux committed to Florida and joined the Florida Gators men’s basketball team. Initially redshirted during his freshman year as the coaching staff managed his physical development and transition to college basketball, he continued training and growing within the program. 

His debut finally came during the 2025 season, where he entered a game late — marking a momentous occasion as he became one of the tallest players ever to appear in an NCAA game. 

8. Style of Play and On-Court Potential

Rioux’s size naturally dictates his position as a center, with a focus on rim protection, rebounding, and interior presence. Scouts and coaches see him as:

• Defensive anchor: Altering shots and disrupting opponents due to extraordinary reach.

• Rebounding threat: Securing boards on both ends because of his vertical space control.

• Potential offensive rim scorer: Utilizing height advantage near the basket.

However, analysts also note areas for improvement:

• Agility and lateral quickness: Working to keep up with quicker players.

• Skill development: Continued refinement of post moves and footwork.

His unique physical attributes combined with improved skill work could make him a valuable piece in various systems — but maturation and development remain key.

9. Challenges of Being Extremely Tall

While Rioux’s size offers advantages, it also brings practical and athletic challenges:

• Mobility issues: Navigating standard doorways and seating can be difficult. 

• Equipment fitting: Custom gear is often necessary. 

• Injury risk: Historically, exceptionally tall athletes can face joint and stress challenges.

Florida’s coaching staff and medical team likely monitor his conditioning closely to help mitigate those risks.

10. Olivier Rioux’s Future Outlook

Olivier Rioux’s future is one of the most intriguing in basketball. If he continues refining his game and developing physically without injury, he could:

• Become a rotation player in college basketball

• Draw attention from professional scouts worldwide

• Possibly pursue opportunities in the NBA or international leagues

Above all, his story challenges conventional ideas about athletic development — offering inspiration for unique talents and demonstrating that even the most unusual athletes have a place at the highest levels of sport.

11. FAQs

Q1: How tall are Olivier Rioux’s parents?
A: His father, Jean-François Rioux, is about 6′8″, and his mother, Anne Gariépy, is around 6′2″ tall — both contributing genetic height potential. 

Q2: Does Olivier Rioux have gigantism?
A: There are no official medical reports confirming gigantism. Most evidence points to genetic factors rather than a medical condition. 

Q3: Where did Rioux play before college?
A: He played youth basketball in Canada, had exposure with Real Madrid’s youth program, and later attended IMG Academy in Florida before joining the University of Florida. 

Q4: Is Olivier Rioux the tallest teenager in the world?
A: Yes — at various points, he has been recognized by Guinness World Records as one of the tallest teenagers globally. 

Q5: What position does he play?
A: Rioux plays center, where his height gives him advantages in rebounding, shot-blocking, and presence in the paint.