The Tallest Teen on Earth: Montreal basketball prospect Olivier Rioux | W5 INVESTIGATION
TLDROlivier Ryu, the world's tallest teenager at 7'6", navigates life and basketball from Montreal to Florida's IMG Academy. Despite the challenges of finding clothes and shoes, and the constant attention, Olivier views his height as a blessing, leveraging it for fame and sports. With a family history of height and early basketball success, including viral videos and NBA recognition, Olivier remains focused on developing his skills. He dreams of making it to the NCAA and possibly the NBA, but for now, he's enjoying the journey and making his own path.
Takeaways
- 🏆 Olivier Rioux from Montreal is recognized as the tallest teenager in the world, standing at seven foot six.
- 👕 Being seven foot six brings daily challenges such as finding clothes and shoes that fit, and physical limitations due to his height.
- 🏀 Olivier's height has naturally led him to excel in basketball, playing for Team Quebec, Team Canada, and being a student athlete at the IMG Academy in Florida.
- 🤔 Despite his height, Olivier does not often think about playing in the NBA and is more focused on enjoying the game and his own development.
- 👨👩👧👦 Olivier comes from a tall family, with his mother being six foot one, his brother six foot nine, and his father six foot eight.
- 🔍 At the age of 11, Olivier had the idea to contact the Guinness Book of World Records to see if he could be listed as the tallest teenager.
- 🌟 A video of Olivier playing basketball at 12 years old went viral, attracting attention from NBA stars like Steph Curry and David Robinson.
- 🏋️♂️ Olivier's coach Terry Annalo has been working with him since grade school and has noticed his physical and confidence growth over the years.
- 🚶♂️ Olivier's height affects his daily life, including difficulties with transportation like airplanes and cars, and needing special accommodations for beds.
- 🎓 IMG Academy provides Olivier with specialized training to help him improve his basketball skills and prepare for a potential career in the NCAA or NBA.
- 🤝 Olivier met former NBA player Bill Wennington, who also hails from Montreal, and they discussed their shared experiences as tall athletes.
Q & A
Who is Olivier Ryu and what is unique about him?
-Olivier Ryu is a teenager from Montreal who holds the title of the tallest teenager in the world, standing at seven feet six inches tall.
What challenges does Olivier face due to his height?
-Olivier faces several challenges due to his height, including difficulty in finding clothes and shoes that fit, as well as physical limitations such as slower movement on the basketball court compared to smaller, more agile players.
What is Olivier's height and how does it affect his daily life?
-Olivier is seven feet six inches tall, which affects his daily life in various ways such as difficulty in finding suitable clothes and shoes, and the physical demands of his height, like needing more energy to run the court during basketball.
What sports does Olivier play?
-Olivier plays basketball and has represented Team Quebec and Team Canada. He is also a student athlete at the IMG Academy in Florida.
How has Olivier's height impacted his basketball career?
-Olivier's height has given him an advantage in basketball, allowing him to literally touch the rim without jumping and to protect the ball well. However, it also presents challenges such as needing to develop coordination and speed to compete with smaller, quicker players.
What was Olivier's idea at the age of 11?
-At the age of 11, Olivier wanted to see his name in the Guinness Book of World Records for his height.
What is the significance of Olivier's family's height?
-Olivier's family members are also tall, suggesting a genetic predisposition to height. His mother is six feet one inch, his brother is six feet nine inches, and his father is six feet eight inches.
How did Olivier's basketball journey change when he was 12?
-When Olivier was 12, he was invited to play in an International Tournament in Spain, where he scored significantly and a video of the game went viral, capturing over a million views and comments from NBA stars like Steph Curry and David Robinson.
What is Olivier's perspective on his height?
-Olivier views his height as a blessing. He believes it can be used for various advantages, such as becoming famous, playing basketball, or reaching the highest shelf in the kitchen.
What does the future hold for Olivier in terms of basketball?
-Olivier has the potential to play professionally in the NBA, but this will depend on his development and his love for the game. His coaches emphasize the importance of him enjoying the game rather than just playing it because of his height.
How does Olivier handle the attention he receives due to his height?
-Olivier is used to drawing attention and is generally cool and kind in response to people's curiosity. He has been dealing with this attention since he was 10 years old.
What is the significance of Olivier meeting Bill Wennington?
-Meeting Bill Wennington, a former NBA player and Canadian basketball giant, provides Olivier with an opportunity to connect with someone who has experienced similar challenges and achievements due to their height in the sport.
Outlines
🏀 Life of the World's Tallest Teenager
Olivier Ryu, a 17-year-old from Montreal, is the tallest teenager in the world, standing at 7 feet 6 inches tall. This paragraph delves into the unique challenges and experiences of being extraordinarily tall, such as difficulty finding clothes and shoes, and the constant attention from others. Olivier's height has been a part of his life since he was a young child, and he has embraced it as both a blessing and a curse. He has used his stature to excel in basketball, playing for Team Quebec and Team Canada, and is a student-athlete at the IMG Academy in Florida. The paragraph also touches on his family's genetic predisposition to height and his aspirations to be recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records.
🏆 The Rising Star on the Basketball Court
This paragraph highlights Olivier Ryu's basketball journey, which began to gain significant attention when he was just 12 years old. During an international tournament in Spain, Olivier scored between 20 to 40 points in a game, and a video of his performance went viral, garnering over a million views and comments from NBA stars like Steph Curry and David Robinson. The paragraph also discusses Olivier's development as a player under the guidance of his coach, Terry Annalou, and his physical growth and confidence on the court. Despite his height, Olivier's focus is on loving the game and not just playing it because of his stature.
🌟 Meeting NBA Legends and the Challenges of Height
Olivier Ryu experiences his first NBA game in Chicago, where he meets former NBA player and Canadian giant, Bill Wennington. The paragraph explores the challenges that come with being exceptionally tall, such as fitting into airplanes, cars, and beds. Bill Wennington shares his own experiences and insights on growing up tall and how it affected his basketball career. Olivier's daily life is also discussed, including his school routine at the IMG Academy and the decision-making process that led him to choose the academy over other opportunities.
🛏️ The Practicalities of Living with Extraordinary Height
This paragraph focuses on the practical difficulties Olivier faces due to his height, such as finding clothes and shoes that fit, sleeping comfortably on a king-size bed with his feet hanging out, and the challenges of traveling on airplanes and using regular transportation. It also discusses the social implications of his stature, including the public's fascination and the need for respect and privacy. Olivier's mother shares her perspective on raising a child who grows so quickly and the adjustments the family has had to make.
🎯 Olivier's Future in Basketball and Beyond
The final paragraph contemplates Olivier's future in basketball and his aspirations. Despite his height and talent, Olivier does not frequently dream of playing in the NBA, choosing instead to focus on the present and the process of improving his skills. His immediate goals include playing college basketball in the NCAA and possibly the NBA or other opportunities. Olivier's coach at IMG Academy, Jeremy Schiller, and his mentor, Daniel Santiago, discuss Olivier's potential and the importance of his continued development and maturity.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Olivier Ryu
💡Height
💡Basketball
💡IMG Academy
💡Guinness Book of World Records
💡Team Canada
💡Genetics
💡Challenges
💡Role Model
💡Talent
💡Gentle Giant
Highlights
Olivier Ryu from Montreal is the tallest teenager in the world at seven foot six.
Life at seven foot six presents unique challenges such as finding clothes and shoes, and interacting with shorter doors and ceilings.
Olivier plays basketball for Team Quebec, Team Canada, and is a student athlete at the IMG Academy in Florida.
He began attracting attention and dealing with his height publicly since the age of 10.
Olivier has not been able to buy regular clothes off the rack for years due to his size.
His height is a result of genetics, with family members also being notably tall.
Olivier sees his height as a blessing, providing advantages in basketball and other areas.
He contacted Guinness Book of World Records at the age of 11 to see his name listed.
A video of Olivier playing basketball at age 12 went viral, receiving comments from NBA stars.
Olivier's basketball coach Terry Annalou has been working with him since grade school, noting his coordination and ability to facilitate for others.
Olivier's height and talent have garnered attention from American college scouts.
Bill Wennington, a former NBA player and Montreal native, shares his experiences and advice with Olivier.
Olivier's daily life includes dealing with transportation and accommodations designed for shorter individuals.
IMG Academy provides Olivier with specialized training to improve his basketball skills and prepare him for college eligibility.
Olivier's goal with basketball includes playing in the NCAA, with the possibility of reaching the NBA or other professional leagues.
Doctors are unsure of how much taller Olivier may grow, but emphasize his health as the main concern.
Transcripts
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