Donald Trump dwarfed by 7-foot-9 college basketball player Olivier Rioux in the Oval Office
President Donald Trump marveled at Florida 's 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux on Wednesday as the Florida Gators visited the White House to celebrate their national championship.
Rioux towered over Trump as they met in the Oval Office, with the President taking note of the 19-year-old's incredible height.
To be that tall, I think it's great,' Trump said.
As seen in a video from White House communications advisor Margo Martin, the pair then shook hands before they posed for a photo.
Trump also asked if Rioux - who did not play in the Gators' national championship game win over Houston - was a good player, before someone off-camera said he was 'getting there.'
The president then said of Rioux's height: 'Boy what a big advantage, huh?'
President @realDonaldTrump meets Olivier Rioux, 7-foot-9 Florida Gators basketball player! 🏀🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cH2eB2XfGf
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 21, 2025
Rioux, who is also listed at 305 pounds on the Gators' roster, did not see the court this season as he took a redshirt season.
The Quebec native supposedly stood at a massive 6-foot-1 by age eight, and 6-foot-11 by sixth grade.
He watched from the bench on April 7 as Florida eked out a 65-63 win over Houston.
Trump has welcomed a bevvy of sports champions since his return to office in January.
The Super Bowl champion Eagles visited on April 28, with the Ohio State Buckeyes football team visiting a couple weeks prior on April 14.
The Dodgers also visited earlier that month on April 7, with Trump even bestowing a gift to Shohei Ohtani.
Trump has also invited the Chiefs to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl win in 2020, as they were unable to visit him due to the Covid pandemic.
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