Size is a relative factor, and in most competitions, it can make a huge difference. In boxing, fighters are classified and compete according to their weight division, while in basketball, being impressively tall can be a huge advantage. Take a look at the world’s largest athletes to feature in sporting history.
Maria Sharapova - 6’2”
Many would remember the talented, former tennis player Maria Sharapova, but some don’t know that the Russian born tennis player is among the tallest women to play the game. She hit her first-ever tennis ball at the young age of four and has since shown her remarkable talent on the tennis court. In 2005, the 6 foot 2-inch right-hander achieved the no.1 rank, but she retired in February of 2020. To date, she is the third-highest earner in the sport.
Maria Sharapova - 6’2”
Holley Mangold - 5’8’’ and 415 lbs
Holley Mangold is an American weightlifter who weighs 415 lbs, and has a record of lifting 562 lbs. She stands at a height of 5 feet and 8 inches. Holley started competing in weightlifting in 2008 and has since represented America when she competed at the Olympics. She ranked ninth in a total of fourteen competitors in her division. To prove just how strong she is, Holley survived a head-on collision with only minor injuries by simply pushing the steering wheel away.
Holley Mangold - 5’8’’ and 415 lbs
Peter Crouch - 6’7”
Peter Crouch is a former English football player who had appeared in two world cups for his country. He was a striker and is one of the tallest players ever on a football field. Crouch is one of the twenty-eight players to have scored more than 100 goals in the Premier League and holds the record for most headed goals. At an impressive height of 6 foot 7 inches, his success does not come as much of a surprise.
Peter Crouch - 6’7”
Hong-Man Choi - 7’2”
Hong-Man Choi is a mixed martial arts fighter and kick-boxer. He is a giant of a man and is one of the biggest fighters in MMA today. The South-Korean born fighter stands a whopping 7 foot and 2 inches tall and competes in the super heavyweight division. He was nicknamed the ‘Korean Monster’. Hong-Man has celebrated fame mostly because of his size. He has a kickboxing record of 12 wins and 8 losses in a total of 20 fights.
Hong-Man Choi - 7’2”
Stefan Struve - 7 feet
This Dutch-born Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter is also known by the nickname ‘Skyscraper’. He is one of the tallest competitors in this mixed martial arts competition. Stefan stands 7 feet tall and initially played football before his brother introduced him to mixed martial arts. He won his first match at the age of 16. Stefan has since fought in 41 matches, of which he won 29 and lost 12. He has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fights for the Blackzillians fight club.
Stefan Struve - 7 foot
The Tree Man - 6’7”
The Tree Man, whose real name is Danny Jones, is a social media bodybuilder. He found his nickname because of tweets that went viral. In the tweets, it was mentioned that Danny, who was depicted in a picture with the tweet, is not a man, he is a tree. The bodybuilder has been known by the name The Tree Man since then. He stands 6 foot 7 inches tall and is a gym motivation influencer of some renown.
The Tree Man - 6’7”
Mamadou N’Diaye - 7’5’’ and 300 lbs
Mamadou is a Senegalese basketball player who is considered among the tallest athletes in the world. Initially, he only played soccer, but in 2010, he was spotted at a gym in Dakar, Senegal, where he was playing basketball with friends. He was immediately recruited and soon after he moved to America. Standing 7 feet and 5 inches tall and weighing 300 lbs, he is a towering giant. He was awarded the best defensive player of the year award after the 2013/14 NBA season.
Mamadou N’Diaye - 7’5’’ and 300 lbs
Randy Johnson - 6’8’’
The former baseball pitcher who has been nicknamed ‘The Big Unit’, Randy Johnson is one of the tallest baseball players in the history of the sport. Not only is he a formidable player who had an amazing 22 seasons with the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks, but he also stands an impressive 6 feet and 8 inches tall. He is one of the most successful left-handed pitchers, and he was able to reach a pitching speed of 100 miles an hour. In 2015, Randy was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Randy Johnson - 6’8’’
Usain Bolt - 6’5’’
Usain Bolt is an athlete who requires no introduction, as many know that he was considered the fastest man on the planet. However, not many people realize that the Jamaican-born sprinter is also one of the tallest men on the track field. Usain is nearly 6 feet and 5 inches tall, and his impressive skills on the track garnered him the nickname ‘Lightning Bolt’. Usain has plenty of medals and world records that prove that he is one of the most talented athletes in history.
Usain Bolt - 6’5’’
Michael Phelps - 6’4’’
Former American competitive swimmer Michael Phelps is one of the most decorated Olympic athletes in the world. He has won 28 medals, of which 23 are gold. In 2008, at the Beijing Olympic Games, Michael broke the record for the most consecutive gold medals by winning eight in a row. His record and impressive swimming talents gave the swimming champion the nickname, ‘Flying Fish’. He is also sometimes called ‘The Baltimore Bullet’ by his fellow club members.
Michael Phelps - 6’4’’
Yao Ming - 7’6’’
It seems to be a customary trait of basketball players to be excessively tall, as is also the case of professional basketball player Yao Ming. The advantage that height has in basketball is clearly expressed by the success that Yao enjoyed throughout his career. This Chinese player, who stands at a height of 7 feet and 6 inches, has retired from the court, but he averaged 19 points per game throughout his career. Yao began playing at the age of 13.
Yao Ming - 7’6’’
Jan Koller - 6’8’’
Jan Koller is a former football striker who played for his home country, the Czech Republic, and is one of the tallest strikers in the history of football. He stands at a grand height of 6 feet and 8 inches and recorded 55 goals in 91 appearances. The successful footballer played for his country in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and started his career playing for the Sparta Prague club team. He holds a golden boot award and is also considered the top-scoring Czech player.
Jan Koller - 6’8’’
Darya Klishina - 5’11’’
Darya Igorevna Klishina is a Russian long jump champion who ranked ninth at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. She is an impressive athlete and has a long jump personal best record of over 7 meters. What is perhaps more impressive about the Russian athlete is her height. Darya stands at a height of 5 feet and 11 inches. She first started playing volleyball at the age of 8, but due to her father’s influence, she changed her profession to the long jump.
Darya Klishina - 5’11’’
Blanka Vlasic - 6’3’’
Blanka Vlasic is a Croatian Olympic high jumper who, aside from her impressive career in athletics, is also incredibly tall. She stands at a height of 6 feet and 3 inches. She has earned a silver medal at the Olympic Games, as well as several gold medals in the World and European Championships. Blanka is also considered by many as one of the most beautiful athletes in the high jump, and her career-best jump was over 2 meters high.
Blanka Vlasic - 6’3’’
Suleiman Ali Nashnush - 8 feet
Suleiman Ali Nashnush is one of the few individuals in the world that either reached or exceeded a height of 8 feet. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1991, but he will forever be remembered as one of the tallest basketball players and actors in history. Suleiman was born in Libya and played for the national team, but at the time, he was only 7 feet and 10 inches tall. Suleiman suffered from a disease that made him grow continuously, and only after receiving surgery did his exponential growth end.
Suleiman Ali Nashnush - 8 feet
Kerri Walsh Jennings - 6’3’’
Kerri Lee Walsh Jennings is an American volleyball player who is considered to be among the tallest players in the sport’s history. She is a three-time gold medalist and one-time bronze medalist at the Olympic games. Kerri is also one of the highest-earning volleyball players in the world. She stands at a height of 6 feet and 3 inches, which gives her a major advantage over most of her competition. Kerri is also co-champion and gold medalist of the team tournaments at national leagues and the Olympic Games.
Kerri Walsh Jennings - 6’3’’
Richard Metcalfe - 7’
Rugby has had its fair share of enormous players, especially because either a heavyweight or tall figure can provide a handsome advantage. In a throw-in, being tall has its bonuses, and in scrummage, a heavy set will be advantageous. Thus, it was not uncommon to see players like Richard Metcalfe running out on the field. The English-born player played as a lock, and at 7 feet, he was 6 inches taller than the average forward player.
Richard Metcalfe - 7’
Aaron Sandilands - 6’11’’
Australian athlete Aaron Sandilands is a former footballer who has long been regarded as one of the tallest players of footy. Australian football is similar to American football, but with a variety of changes in the rules, thus it is called Australian Rules Football. Aaron stands at a height of 6 feet and 11 inches and is one of the best players in the Australian Football League. Aaron has been awarded numerous medals and has also been selected for the All-Star Australian team on four individual occasions.
Aaron Sandilands - 6’11’’
Aleksey Kazakov - 7’2’’
Aleksey Valerevich Kazakov is a Russian volleyball player. Other than being considered one of the tallest athletes of the world at a height of 7 feet and 2 inches, he is also an impressive player. He was part of the 2004 Olympic volleyball team in Athens, finishing in third place and earning a bronze medal. At the previous Olympic games, Aleksey earned a silver medal. He is certainly as intimidating a player as he is tall, which undoubtedly affords him a great advantage.
Aleksey Kazakov - 7’2’’
Mohammad Irfan - 7’1’’
For any cricket enthusiast, the name Mohammad Irfan would be familiar. Not only is he the tallest cricketer in history, at an impressive height of 7 feet and 1 inch. But he is also known for his extremely fast bowling. Mohammad Irfan is a member of the Pakistani national team, a team that has been known for having a few of the biggest players. To date, Irfan is considered the tallest cricket player. His bowling has broken records and restored the fans’ faith in the Pakistani cricket team.
Mohammad Irfan - 7’1’’
Nikolai Valuev - 7’ and 328 lbs
Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev is one of the most successful boxers in the history of sports. Despite being a fierce competitor, it is perhaps his height and size that is most intimidating. Standing at a height of 7 feet tall and weighing in at 328 lbs, Nikolai is not someone you would want to face in the ring. He held the heavyweight championship twice and won 50 of the 53 matches he competed in, of which 34 were won by knockout.
Nikolai Valuev - 7’ and 328 lbs
Brittney Griner - 6’9’’
Brittney Yevette Griner is an American women’s basketball player with an impressive record. She stands 6 feet and 9 inches tall, which likely gives her a great advantage. She is among the only female basketball players to have scored 2,000 points and blocked 500 shots. The Texas native started playing at a young age and was chosen as the number one player in women’s basketball by Rivals.com. She even led the American female team to a gold medal in the 2016 Olympic games.
Brittney Griner - 6’9’’
Lacina Traore - 6’8’’
Lacina Emeghara Traore is a footballer who was born in the Ivory Coast and who plays for the national Ivorian team. He is among the tallest footballers in history, standing at a height of 6 feet and 8 inches. Lacina has had a long and impressive career, having competed for a variety of clubs in the European leagues and the FIFA World Cup. He plays forward and is considered one of Africa’s best football players.
Lacina Traore - 6’8’’
Dane De La Rosa - 6’7’’
Dane David De La Rosa is a former baseball relief pitcher who was born in America. He is considered among the tallest athletes in the world. Dane stands at a height of 6 feet and 7 inches and had an impressive career. He played for several Major League Baseball teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He had an ERA of 4.5 and a recorded 78 strikeouts.
Dane De La Rosa - 6’7’’
Rik Smits - 7’4’’
Rik Smits is a Dutch former basketball player who earned the nickname ‘The Dunking Dutchman’ for his impressive skills on the court. Although there have now been far taller players on American basketball courts, Rik’s height of 7 feet and 4 inches was, for a long time, considered to be the tallest. He will always be remembered because of his height. He was one of the Indiana Pacers’ greatest players, and he spent his whole career playing for them.
Rik Smits - 7’4’’
Chuck Nevitt - 7’5’’
Chuck Nevitt may not be as familiar a name as Shaq. But as a tall man, Charles Goodrich Nevitt certainly made an impression on basketball fans in the eighties and early nineties. Chuck was nicknamed ‘Chuck E. Cheese’, as well as ‘The Human Victory Cigar’, when he still played. Standing at a height of 7 feet and 5 inches, Chuck was among the tallest basketball players of his time. He played for several teams, including the LA Lakers and the Detroit Pistons.
Chuck Nevitt - 7’5’’
Zdeno Chara - 6’9’’
Zdeno Chara is a Slovak defenseman who plays ice hockey for the Boston Bruins and is serving as the captain of the team. He is considered to be the tallest player to ever be drafted in the National Hockey League. At a height of 6 feet and 9 inches, it is clear to see why he plays defense. Nearly all of his competitors are shorter than him and find it difficult to get through his defenses. He is an impressive player who has led his team to win several trophies.
Zdeno Chara - 6’9’’
Andy Fordham - 6’2’’ and 445 lbs
Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham is an English world champion darts player who has long been considered as the heaviest and perhaps tallest darts player to ever compete at the world championship. He weighed 445 lbs when he last played, but it is said that he has been actively trying to shed some of his weight due to health complications. At 6 feet and 2 inches, it is not likely that his height provides an advantage, since the sport mostly requires dexterity and accuracy.
Andy Fordham - 6’2’’ and 445 lbs
Jon Rauch - 6’11’’
Jon Erich Rauch is a former baseball pitcher who was the tallest Major League player in recorded baseball history at the time. At a height of 6 feet and 11 inches, it would not be easy to exceed the pitcher’s record. He played for multiple teams, including the Chicago White Sox. He had an impressive 475 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.9. Jon was a formidable pitcher and even earned an Olympic gold medal in the course of his career.
Jon Rauch - 6’11’’
Eddy Curry Jr. - 7 feet
Eddy Curry Jr. is an American basketball player who is considered among the tallest athletes of the world at a height of 7 feet. Although such impressive height is not uncommon, Eddy is an excellent player and one of the most sought after in the National Basketball League. Eddy was initially more passionate about gymnastics and intended to pursue a career in that direction. However, after being included in his high school basketball team, he had a change of heart. As a formidable player, he went straight out of high school to compete in the NBA.
Eddy Curry Jr. - 7 feet
Dondre Harris - 7 feet
Still in high school, Dondre Harris is already on the list of the biggest athletes but has yet to compete in any major leagues. He has been widely acclaimed as the tallest high school American football defensive lineman in the history of high school football. Considering that the young man could still grow, he will certainly be one of the biggest and tallest players to ever be drafted in the NFL. Many people are already looking forward to seeing him play.
Dondre Harris - 7 feet
Hasheem Thabeet - 7’3’’
Hasheem Thabeet is a Tanzanian basketball player who played throughout his high school and college years. He started playing at the age of 15 and is considered among the tallest athletes today. He stands at a height of 7 feet and 2 inches and has raked in plenty of records for his impressive defensive plays. However, despite his early success and catching the attention of several coaches and club managers, Hasheem is still to make his true mark in the National Basketball Association.
Hasheem Thabeet - 7’3’’
Gogea Mitu, the “Giant of Romania” - 7’9’’
Gogea Mitu, born Dumitru Stefanescu, is a late Romanian boxer who will be remembered in the history of sports for many reasons. He was the tallest Romanian in history, at a height of 7 feet and 9 inches, and he is also considered the tallest boxer to ever get into the ring. His career started in the early 1930s, and he is remembered as the ‘Goliath of Romania’, whom no one could defeat. Sadly, his career as a boxer ended after only three fights, all of which he won by knockout.
Gogea Mitu, the “Giant of Romania” - 7’9’’
Gursimran ‘Sim’ Bhullar - 7’5’’
Gursimran Bhullar, nicknamed ‘Sim’, is a Canadian basketball player who has impressed many fans with his size and talent. Sim’s parents immigrated to Canada before he was born, and they originally hailed from India. Sim stands at a height of 7 feet and 5 inches and has earned both a bronze and silver medal for the Canadian national basketball team. He is considered the sixth tallest basketball player in the NBA. Before playing basketball, Sim had only played a traditional Indian sport called Kabaddi.
Gursimran ‘Sim’ Bhullar - 7’5’’
Manute Bol - 7’7’’
Manute Bol is a late Sudanese-born American basketball player. Like many of the other members of his tribe from South Sudan, the Dinka, he was exceptionally tall. He was once known as the tallest basketball player in the NBA, but he has been replaced by taller players since his retirement. Manute passed away in 2010, but his son, Bol Bol, continues to add to the legacy that his father began. Manute Bol is remembered in NBA history as one of the only players to have more blocked shots than points earned.
Manute Bol - 7’7’’
Richie Gray - 6’10’’
Richie Gray is a well-known name to any enthusiastic rugby fan. The 6-foot, 10-inch lock, who is originally from Scotland, is iconized on the rugby field due to his incredible performances, especially when he played with the British Lions. He began his career playing for the Glasgow Warriors and also represented Scotland at international games. He later signed with the Sales Sharks, then traveled to France to play for Castres Olympique, but he has recently returned to Scotland to play for his first team.
Richie Gray - 6’10’’
Sun Mingming - 7’9’’
Sun Mingming is a Chinese basketball player who, at a height of 7 feet and 9 inches, has been recorded as one of the tallest basketball players ever to be drafted. He started playing at the age of 15 and was drafted by several minor league clubs in America. He has since moved back to China to play for the Beijing Ducks. Sun is also recognized in the Guinness Book of Records with his wife for being the tallest couple in the world.
Sun Mingming - 7’9’’
Emmanuel Yarbrough - 6’7’’ and 882 lbs
Emmanuel Yarbrough, also known by the contradictory nickname ‘Tiny’, was an American-born, multi-talented athlete. He was once recognized in the Guinness Book of Records for being the heaviest athlete alive. Emmanuel stood 6 feet and 7 inches tall, and at the peak of his sumo wrestling career, weighed 882 lbs. His transition into MMA and learning Judo allowed Emmanuel to shed some of his weight. Emmanuel also played football for a short while and competed in professional wrestling in Germany. He passed away in 2015.
Emmanuel Yarbrough - 6’7’’ and 882 lbs
Shaun Rogers - 6’4’’ and 350 lbs
Shaun Rogers is a former American football player who played as a defensive tackle for teams such as the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants. He earned the nickname, ‘Chunks’, because of both his enormous size and length. At the peak of his career, Shaun weighed a total of 350 lbs and stood 6 feet and 4 inches tall. Despite his size, Shaun was known to have a quick sprinting speed. In his career as a tackle, he made a total of 513 tackles. He was also awarded a touchdown, which is not a likely achievement for a defensive player.
Shaun Rogers - 6’4’’ and 350 lbs
Paul Soliai - 6’4’’
Paul Fuapapa Soliai was a former American football defensive tackle who played for the Miami Dolphins. He was born in California and is considered among the biggest and tallest athletes to compete in American football. At a height of 6 feet and 4 inches, weighing 345 lbs, Paul was an impressive defensive player. He also played for other teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. In his career as a tackle he made 219 tackles total.
Paul Soliai - 6’4’’
Primo Carnera - 6’6’’
Primo Carnera was a former Italian professional boxer and wrestler who is not only one of the tallest athletes but also one of the most formidable boxers of all time. He stood at a height of 6 feet and 6 inches, with a reach of 7 feet. This gave him a considerable advantage in the boxing ring. Primo was a longtime heavyweight champion, and in the 103 matches that he fought, Primo won 89 and had the record for most fights won by way of knockout.
Primo Carnera - 6’6’’
Lennox Lewis - 6’5’’
Lennox Lewis is a legend in the boxing ring, and as many would know, Lennox Claudias Lewis was a three-time heavyweight champion and the last boxer to be undisputed champion. At a height of 6 feet and 5 inches, Lennox is among the tallest athletes in the world. He is one of the most successful boxers to compete in recent times. Of the 44 fights in which Lennox competed, he won 41, of which 32 were by knockout.
Lennox Lewis - 6’5’’
Andre, The Giant - 7’4” and 520 lbs
This iconic wrestler sadly parted from this world in 1993. Andre Rene Roussimoff, better known as Andre, The Giant, is remembered by many WWF (now WWE) fanatics as one of the world’s largest wrestlers. The Frenchman, who was once famous for his feud with Hulk Hogan, was always much taller and heavier than all of his competitors. He stood 7 foot and 4 inches tall, and weighed in at 520 lbs. His ring name was ‘Monster Roussimoff’.
Andre, The Giant - 7’4” and 520 lbs
Rory Arnold - 6’10’’
Rory Wiremu Arnold is another familiar name in rugby, both because of his impressive talent on the field and because his height gained him a lot of attention. The Australian lock stands at a height of 6 feet and 10 inches and plays for the Australian national team. He also plays for the Australian club, the Canberra Vikings, as well as for the Super Rugby club, the Brumbies. He has an identical twin by the name of Richie, who also plays the lock position.
Rory Arnold - 6’10’’
Ivo Karlovic - 6’11’’
Croatian tennis player Ivo Karlovic shares the title of the tallest ranked tennis player with Reilly Opelka, at a height of 6 feet and 11 inches. Ivo’s highest ranking among world tennis players was the number 14 spot. Ivo has won a total of 8 ATP championships. His current world ranking is 124. He once held the record for the fastest serving speed at 165 miles per hour. But in 2016, he was surpassed by John Isner.
Ivo Karlovic - 6’11’’
Lisa Leslie - 6’5’’
Lisa Deshaun Leslie is a former Women’s National Basketball Association player who, although not the tallest, is certainly among the tallest female athletes in the world. At a height of 6 feet and 5 inches, Lisa easily towers over her opposition. This helped to afford her great success on the basketball court. She helped earn her team four Olympic gold medals from 1996 to 2008. Since her retirement, Lisa has been working as a model and is also coaching basketball. She is also a sports analyst for Fox Broadcasting in Florida.
Lisa Leslie - 6’5’’
Sharran Alexander - 448 lbs
Sharran Alexander is an English sumo wrestler who has been named the heaviest female athlete in the history of sports by Guinness World Records. At a height of 6 feet and weighing in at 448 lbs, her title as the heaviest female competitor will be undisputed for a long time to come. Apart from her world record, Sharran is a tough challenge in sumo wrestling. She has won four gold medals in numerous competitions. Surprisingly, she only began competing at the age of 41.
Sharran Alexander - 448 lbs
Shaquille O’Neal - 7’1’’
This list would not be complete without mentioning the former basketball legend, Shaquille Dashaun O’Neal. At 7 feet and 1 inch, Shaq is perhaps not the tallest player on the basketball court anymore. But during his 19 years of professional play, he was considered among the tallest athletes in the world. Shaq had an impressive career and is considered one of the greatest players to grace the basketball courts of America. With a total career point count of 28,596, he is considered among the top scorers of all time.
Shaquille O’Neal - 7’1’’
John Daly - 300 lbs
John Patrick Daly is an American golfer who is famous among sports fans for several reasons, and it is not likely because he performs impressively. He is a golfer who is known to have a bad attitude and inconsistent performance. But above all, he is known for being the heaviest player. Sure, golf doesn’t exactly require the best physique, but John took it slightly overboard at a weight of 300 lbs. He stands 5 feet and 11 inches tall. His weight is most likely due to his bad habits. John was known to consume many diet sodas and smoke too much. He has since lost some weight, but has a long road to a healthy lifestyle.
John Daly - 300 lbs
Eric Esch - 425 lbs
Eric Scott Esch, better known by his ring name ‘Butterbean’, is a former American boxer who had an impressive career. He competed in a total of 91 boxing matches and won 77 of them, of which 58 were won by knockout. At a height of 5 feet and 11 inches and weighing in at 425 lbs, Butterbean is considered one of the fiercest opponents in boxing. In recent times, Eric also tried his hand at MMA and kickboxing but has not had the same success.
Eric Esch - 425 lbs
John Krahn - 7 feet and 400 lbs
John Krahn is a high school American football player with a bright future ahead of him. And it is not only because of his towering height of 7 feet. Nor is it because of his heavyweight factor of 400 lbs. But it is because he excels at the game. At the age of 17, John is expected to still grow taller. And when he makes it into the NFL, he will become one of the heaviest and tallest footballers to be drafted.
John Krahn - 7 feet and 400 lbs
Paul Wight II - 7 feet and 383 lbs
Paul Donald Wight II is better known by his WWE ring name, 'The Big Show'. He is certainly one of the biggest athletes in the world. At a height of 7 feet and 2 inches and weighing 383 lbs, The Big Show is one of the heaviest wrestlers to ever entertain the world. Only a little behind Andre the Giant, The Big Show has plenty of fans in the WWE Universe. Paul is also an actor and suffers from acromegaly. For instance, this caused Paul, at the age of 12, to already have grown past 6 feet in height and he weighed 220 lbs.
Paul Wight II - 7 feet and 383 lbs
Yvetta Hlavacova - 6’4’’
Yvetta Hlavacova is a former Czech female swimmer who is most noted for her impressive height. Standing 6 feet and 4 inches tall, she was one of the world’s tallest competitive swimmers. And swimming against her is certainly a daunting challenge in the waters. She competes in long-distance swimming and dominated the division with her athletic talents for a long time. She is also a fashion model. She has won silver and bronze medals at the European Championships.
Yvetta Hlavacova - 6’4’’
Laura Dijkema - 6 feet
Laura Chantal Dijkema is a Dutch volleyball player who stands at an advantageous height of 6 feet. Despite having a natural advantage, Laura has dedicated herself to the sport, having begun playing at the age of 7. She progressed very successfully in her career and has even won silver medals at the European Championships. She also possesses several trophies in Netherlandic competitions and is one of the best players in the world.
Laura Dijkema - 6 feet
Hafthor Bjornsson - 6’9’’ and 400 lbs
Hafthor Julius Bjornsson is perhaps best known today for his role as ‘The Mountain’ in Game of Thrones. But he is also among the tallest athletes of the world. Hafthor, often only called Thor, is a strongman competitor. And he is the only challenger to have won Arnold’s, Europe’s, and the World’s Strongman competitions in the same calendar year. Above all, at a height of 6 feet and 9 inches, Thor is capable of deadlifting 1,102 lbs.
Hafthor Bjornsson - 6’9’’ and 400 lbs
Amazon Eve - 6’8”
Amazon Eve is a fitness instructor who has gained popularity and fame due to her enormous figure. She is also a model and actress. Amazon Eve can be seen in the show American Horror Story: Freak Show. She also appeared on the cover of Australia’s Zoo Weekly. Her real name is Erika Ervin, and she stands 6 foot 8 inches tall, boasting a shoe size of 14. You can watch her in episodes of Agents of SHIELD and Hemlock Grove.
Amazon Eve - 6’8”
Nataliya Kuznetsova - 5’7’’ and 225 lbs
Nataliya Kuznetsova is perhaps not the tallest woman in the world at a height of 5 feet and 7 inches. But she is certainly one of the strongest female bodybuilders you will ever see. She weighs 225 lbs. This is quite a lot, considering she has almost no fat - only muscle. Nataliya currently holds the female world record for arm lifting, the bench press, and deadlift. Moreover, she is a Russian powerhouse. She is the strongest woman in the world.
Nataliya Kuznetsova - 5’7’’ and 225 lbs
Konishiki Yasokichi - 633 lbs
Konishiki is a Hawaiian-born sumo wrestler who has an impressive record in the Japanese sport. He is famous for being the only non-Japanese competitor ever to reach Ozeki. This is the second-highest achievable rank. During his competing career had almost achieved the grand-champion position. His peak weight of 633 lbs had earned him the title as one of the heaviest sumo wrestlers in the history of the sport, which earned him the name of ‘Meat Bomb’.
Konishiki Yasokichi - 633 lbs
Margo Dydek - 7’2”
The late Polish basketball player, formally known in the US as Margo Dydek, is forever remembered for being the tallest female basketball player in the history of the Women’s National Basketball Association. She played the center position for several teams. Standing at an impressive 7 feet and 2 inches tall, she was a major advantage on the court for every team she played for. She was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019. Sadly this came eight years after her unfortunate passing.
Margo Dydek - 7’2”
Jorge Gonzalez - 8 feet
Argentinian basketball player and WWF wrestler, Jorge Gonzalez, is among the few athletes of the world that hit a recorded height of 8 feet. By the age of 14, Jorge was already standing 6 feet and 4 inches tall. However, due to gigantism, he never stopped growing. He eventually reached the towering height that earned him the ring name "El Gigante". He is most famous for eliminating The Undertaker during his debut ‘Royal Rumble’, but he also earned a bronze medal in basketball.
Jorge Gonzalez - 8 feet
Gheorghe Muresan - 7’7”
Gheorghe Muresan is a Romanian born NBA player that shares the title of the tallest player in the league’s history with Manute Bol. At the height of 7 feet and 7 and a half inches, Gheorghe makes all the other players look like small children. Gheorghe had a promising career and stacked up impressive statistics on the court, and since his retirement from the game he has taken up coaching. He is the founder of the Giant Basketball Academy in Ashburn, Virginia.
Sharing is caring...
