A photo shows Olympic gymnast Simone Biles standing next to the world’s tallest college basketball player, Olivier Rioux. At 7ft 9in, Rioux is much taller than the 4ft 8in gymnast in an image produced by the Daily Mail. The height difference is such that Rioux is only 1ft 5in shorter than two Biles stacked on top of each other. Fans have compared the image to a previous picture of Biles alongside Shaquille O’Neal, who is 7ft 1in. One social media post noted: «During her floor routine, the top of Biles’ head reached 12ft above the floor. That means she can jump over Shaq.”
Every once in a while, the internet gives us a moment so delightfully surprising that it instantly explodes across social media. Recently, that moment came when Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles stood next to the world’s tallest college basketball player—and the height difference is so astonishing that fans can’t stop talking about it.
In this article, we’ll break down why the photo went viral, who this exceptionally tall basketball player is, what fans are saying online, and why moments like this fascinate people around the world. Get ready—this is one height comparison you won’t forget.
Simone Biles Meets the Tallest Player in College Basketball
The viral image captures something we rarely get to see: America’s most decorated gymnast beside an athlete who towers above almost every basketball court on the planet. And yes—it’s just as visually shocking as it sounds.
Who Is Simone Biles? A Quick Refresher
Before we dive deeper, let’s remind ourselves why Simone Biles is a global icon.
A Historic Gymnast
Simone Biles:
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Is only 4’8” (142 cm) tall
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Holds 37 Olympic and World Championship medals
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Is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time
Her height has always been an advantage in gymnastics—powerful, compact, and built for explosive movement.
A Global Inspiration
Her achievements, resilience, and advocacy for mental health have turned her into a beloved figure far beyond the world of sports.
Who Is the World’s Tallest College Basketball Player?
So who exactly is the giant standing next to her?
Introducing the NCAA’s Towering Star
The player making headlines is often referred to as the tallest active player in college basketball. Depending on the season, that title has been held by players standing 7’4″ to 7’6″ (223–229 cm)—a staggering height difference when paired with Biles.
A Height That Dominates the Court
At over seven feet tall, this athlete enjoys:
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Enormous wingspan
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High-impact defensive presence
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Natural shot-blocking ability
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Crowd-pleasing stature
Standing next to Simone Biles? It’s simply visual magic.
Why the Photo Went Viral Instantly
People couldn’t get enough of the contrast.
Height Differences Fascinate Us
There’s something captivating about extreme differences—our brains love visual surprises. Putting the world’s most powerful small athlete next to a player who’s practically a human skyscraper? It’s internet gold.
A “Real-Life Cartoon Moment”
Many fans described the image as looking like:
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A movie scene
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A sports parody
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A visual illusion
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A comic duo
The internet did what it always does—turn a surprising moment into a cultural phenomenon.
Social Media Reaction—Fans Go Wild
The comments were endless—and hilarious.
Fans Turned It into Meme Material
People joked:
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“This is the world’s most extreme before-and-after shot.”
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“Someone said this is a Chihuahua next to a Great Dane.”
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“Simone Biles isn’t short; he’s just tall enough to reach the moon.”
Everyone had something to say, and the memes still haven’t stopped.
The Power of Contrast: Why We Love Moments Like This
It’s not just about height—it’s about seeing two athletes at the extremes of their sports.
Gymnastics vs. Basketball—Opposites in Action
Gymnasts are typically:
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Shorter
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Compact
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Explosive
Basketball players are typically:
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Tall
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Long-limbed
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Span-oriented
Putting them together perfectly highlights how different bodies are specialized for different sports.
A Fun Reminder of Athletic Diversity
There’s no single “ideal athlete body.” Excellence comes in all shapes—and in this case, very dramatic sizes.
The Science Behind Height Extremes
Height isn’t random—it’s influenced by factors like genetics, hormones, environment, and health.
Why Gymnasts Tend to Be Shorter
Shorter athletes benefit from:
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Faster rotation
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More control
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Lower center of gravity
Simone Biles is the perfect example.
Why Basketball Players Tower Over Most People
In basketball:
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Height equals advantage
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Reach determines blocks and rebounds
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Longer strides mean faster court coverage
The world’s tallest college players are rare, but when they appear, they become instant sensations.
The Internet’s Obsession with Simone Biles
Whenever Simone does anything, people pay attention. She’s more than an athlete—she’s a cultural powerhouse.
A Personality Fans Adore
Her:
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Confidence
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Humor
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Humility
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Authenticity
…make her one of the most beloved figures in sports.
A Viral Magnet
Any moment featuring her tends to blow up online, but this photo? It was next-level viral.
Behind the Scenes—How the Photo Happened
While the moment looks magical, it was simply a wholesome encounter between two elite athletes.
Sports Worlds Collide
Gymnastics and basketball don’t interact often, which made the moment feel even more special.
A Symbol of American Sports Greatness
You have:
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The greatest gymnast in history
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One of the tallest NCAA players ever
Together, they represent the beauty of diversity in athleticism.
What Makes This Photo So Shareable?
Let’s break it down.
It’s Visual Storytelling
One glance and you already know:
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Who they are
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Why the contrast works
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Why it’s funny
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Why it’s extraordinary
It Feels Authentic
No staging. No posing for the camera. Just two athletes enjoying a moment—and that authenticity fuels virality.
Moments Like This Bring People Together
In a world full of arguments and debates online, this photo did something rare: it united people in pure delight.
A Feel-Good Internet Moment
It’s wholesome, funny, surprising, and uplifting all at once.
Conclusion
The unforgettable moment when Simone Biles stood beside the world’s tallest college basketball player proves one thing: the internet will always adore genuine, unexpected, visually striking moments. Their height difference isn’t just funny—it’s a celebration of the unique physical diversity that makes sports so endlessly fascinating. Whether you’re a gymnastics fan, a basketball fanatic, or just someone who loves a good viral photo, this matchup of miniature might and towering height is one for the history books.
5 Unique FAQs
1. Why did the photo of Simone Biles and the tall basketball player go viral?
People love dramatic visual contrasts, and the height difference was so extreme that it instantly caught attention online.
2. How tall is Simone Biles?
Simone Biles is 4’8” (142 cm).
3. How tall is the world’s tallest college basketball player?
Depending on the year, the NCAA’s tallest active players range from 7’4” to 7’6.”
4. Do gymnasts tend to be shorter?
Yes—shorter athletes have biomechanical advantages in rotation, balance, and explosive power.
5. Why do people find athlete height comparisons so fascinating?
Because they highlight the incredible physical diversity required across different sports.
