Wetall invites you today to discover a giant panorama of the tallest athletes of all time by sport.

who are the tallest athletes of all time (1)

Sports help many tall individuals better cope with their height or mitigate the effects of rapid growth. Some sports are more suited than others for tall individuals (on paper), and many giants have excelled in areas where they were not expected.

In many sports, especially team sports like basketball, volleyball, or handball, being tall is an advantage and is teeming with giants. However, this is less the case in other sports, yet we still find great athletes. For example, sprinting, which was previously a discipline reserved for the “short”, weightlifting, or horse riding.

It’s also noteworthy that the tallest on the list (tied) is a Paralympic athlete: the Iranian volleyball player Morteza Mehrzad.

The “shortest” on the list are under 1.95 meters and are few in number.

Feel free to click on the names of the athletes to discover more information about them!

Here’s the text translated to American English with names in bold and heights converted to feet and inches:

List of the tallest athletes of all time across all sports:

1. Morteza Mehrzad, 8 ft 1 in, Iran (Volleyball – Paralympics)

2. Suleiman Ali Nashnush, 8 ft 1 in, Libya (Basketball)

3. Gogea Mitu, 7 ft 11 in, Romania (Boxing)

4. Angus MacAskill, 7 ft 9 in, Canada (Strongman)

5. Sun Ming Ming, 7 ft 9 in, China (Basketball)

6. Giant Gonzalez, 7 ft 7 in, Brazil (Wrestling)

7. Manute Bol, 7 ft 7 in, Sudan (Basketball)

8. Olivier Rioux, 7 ft 7 in, Canada (Basketball)

9. Gheorghe Mureșan, 7 ft 7 in, Romania (Basketball)*

10. Yao Ming, 7 ft 6 in, China (Basketball)*

10. Tacko Fall, 7 ft 6 in, Senegal (Basketball)*

*Not presented in the following list

Here is now the list of the tallest athletes of all time classified by sport:


Tallest basketball players of all time

 

Suleiman Ali Nashnush (Libya) – 2.46 m – Basketball

Suleiman Ali Nashnush

Suleiman Ali Nashnush, towering at 2.46 meters, is a legendary figure in Libyan basketball. His formidable presence on the court combined with exceptional skill earned him acclaim as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Sun Ming Ming (China) – 2.36 m – Basketball

Sun Ming Ming

Sun Ming Ming, standing at an impressive 2.36 meters, revolutionized Chinese basketball with his towering stature and agile play. Renowned for his dominance in the paint, he remains a celebrated figure in the annals of the sport.

Manute Bol – 2.31 m – Sudan

Manute Bol

Manute Bol, standing at a towering 2.31 meters, was not only a basketball sensation from Sudan but also a humanitarian icon. Known for his shot-blocking prowess and philanthropic endeavors, Bol’s legacy transcends the sport.

Olivier Rioux – 2.31 m – Canada

Olivier Rioux

Olivier Rioux, at 2.31 meters tall, is a formidable presence on the basketball court. Hailing from a new generation of players, Rioux showcases remarkable skills that promise a bright future in the sport.


Tallest american football player of all time

 

Richard Sligh: 2.13 m – United States

Richard Sligh

Richard Sligh, towering at 2.13 meters, left an indelible mark on American football. His imposing stature and unmatched athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron, solidifying his status as one of the greatest of all time.

Dan Skipper: 2.08 m – United States

Dan Skipper

Dan Skipper, standing at 2.08 meters, dominated American football with his exceptional size and skill. Renowned for his prowess as an offensive lineman, Skipper’s contributions to the game are etched in its history.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones: 2.08 m – United States

Ed Jones

Ed “Too Tall” Jones, at 2.08 meters tall, is a towering figure in American football lore. His remarkable agility and relentless pursuit of excellence earned him a place among the sport’s elite.


The tallest baseball players of all time

 

Loek van Mil: 2.18 m – Netherlands

Loek van Mil

Loek van Mil, towering at 2.18 meters, was a titan of baseball from the Netherlands. Known for his imposing presence on the pitcher’s mound, he remains an iconic figure in the sport’s history.

Jon Rauch: 2.11 m – United States

Jon Rauch

Jon Rauch, standing at 2.11 meters, made a significant impact on baseball with his towering frame and powerful pitching. Revered for his contributions to the game, Rauch’s legacy endures as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.


The tallest boxers of all time

 

Gogea Mitu: 2.42 m – Romania

Gogea Mitu

Gogea Mitu, towering at an astounding 2.42 meters, was a boxing legend from Romania. Renowned for his imposing stature and devastating punches, he carved out a legacy as one of the most feared fighters in the ring.

Nikolai Valuev: 2.13 m – Russia

- Valuev Nikolai -

Nikolai Valuev, standing at 2.13 meters, was a formidable presence in the world of boxing. Known as the “Russian Giant,” his remarkable size and skill set him apart as one of the sport’s most dominant champions.

Tyson Fury: 2.06 m – United Kingdom

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury, at 2.06 meters tall, is a boxing phenom from the United Kingdom. Known for his agility and technical prowess, Fury’s illustrious career has cemented his status as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time.


The tallest golfers of all time

 

George Archer: 1.97 m – United States

George Archer

George Archer, at 1.97 meters tall, was a towering figure in the world of golf. Renowned for his powerful swing and strategic finesse on the course, Archer’s achievements secured his place among the greatest golfers of all time.

Bob Tway: 1.93 m – United States

Bob Tway

Bob Tway, standing at 1.93 meters, left an indelible mark on golf with his remarkable skill and composure under pressure. Revered for his clutch performances, Tway’s legacy as a major champion remains celebrated in the annals of the sport.


The tallest field hockey players of all time

 

Rolle Saarinen: 2.15m – Finland

Rolle Saarinen, towering at an imposing 2.15 meters, was a dominant force in the world of hockey from Finland. Known for his exceptional size and agility on the ice, Saarinen’s contributions to the sport earned him a place among its greatest players.

Björn Randahl: 2.13m – Sweden

Björn Randahl, standing tall at 2.13 meters, was a legendary figure in Swedish hockey. Revered for his defensive prowess and leadership on the ice, Randahl’s impact on the sport remains unparalleled.

Zdeno Chára: 2.06 m – Slovakia

Zdeno Chára

Zdeno Chára, at 2.06 meters tall, is a hockey icon from Slovakia. Known for his intimidating presence on the ice and powerful slap shot, Chára’s illustrious career has solidified his status as one of the greatest defensemen of all time.


The tallest fighters of all time

 

Choi Hong-man: 2.18 m – South Korea

Choi Hong-man

Choi Hong-man, towering at 2.18 meters, was a dominant force in the world of kickboxing from South Korea. Renowned for his imposing stature and devastating strikes, Choi’s legacy as a heavyweight champion remains unmatched.

Paulo Cesar (Giant) Silva: 2.18 m – Brazil

- giant silva -

Paulo Cesar, known as “Giant” Silva, stood at an impressive 2.18 meters tall and made his mark as a formidable kickboxing fighter from Brazil. His remarkable size and strength earned him acclaim as one of the sport’s most fearsome competitors.

Stefan Struve: 2.12 m Netherlands

Stefan Struve

Stefan Struve, at 2.12 meters tall, was a towering presence in the world of kickboxing from the Netherlands. Known for his technical skill and ability to finish fights, Struve’s impact on the sport is revered by fans and fighters alike.


The tallest rugby players of all time

 

Richard Metcalfe: 2.13 m – United Kingdom

Richard Metcalfe

Richard Metcalfe, towering at 2.13 meters, was a rugby giant from the United Kingdom. Revered for his dominance in the scrum and powerful ball-carrying ability, Metcalfe’s legacy as one of the greatest rugby players of all time endures.

Will Carrick-Smith: 2.13 m – United Kingdom

Will Carrick-Smith

Will Carrick-Smith, standing at 2.13 meters, was a formidable force in British rugby. Renowned for his athleticism and versatility on the field, Carrick-Smith’s contributions to the sport are celebrated by fans and peers alike.

Martin Bayfield: 2.10 m – United Kingdom

Martin Bayfield

Martin Bayfield, at 2.10 meters tall, was a towering figure in British rugby history. Known for his imposing presence on the field and leadership qualities, Bayfield’s legacy as a rugby icon remains cherished by fans worldwide.

Devin Toner: 2.10 m – Ireland

Devin Toner

Devin Toner, towering at 2.10 meters, was a rugby stalwart from Ireland. Renowned for his prowess in the lineout and tireless work ethic, Toner’s contributions to the sport earned him admiration and respect from teammates and opponents alike.


The tallest soccer players of all time

 

Simon Bloch Jorgensen: 2.10 m – Germany

Simon Bloch Jorgensen

Simon Bloch Jorgensen, standing at 2.10 meters, was a towering figure in German soccer. Known for his aerial dominance and clinical finishing, Jorgensen’s impact on the pitch remains etched in the annals of the sport.

Paul Millar: 2.08 m – United Kingdom

Paul Millar

Paul Millar, at 2.08 meters tall, was a formidable presence in British soccer. Renowned for his strength and versatility on the field, Millar’s contributions to the sport earned him acclaim as one of its greatest players.

Kristof van Hout: 2.08 m – Belgium

Kristof van Hout

Kristof van Hout, towering at 2.08 meters, was a goalkeeper of remarkable stature from Belgium. Known for his shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box, van Hout’s impact on the pitch is revered by fans and colleagues alike.

Tonny Brogaard: 2.06 m – Denmark

Tonny Brogaard

Tonny Brogaard, standing at 2.06 meters, was a towering figure in Danish soccer history. Renowned for his aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability, Brogaard’s legacy as a striker remains celebrated in the annals of the sport.


The tallests wimmers of all time

 

Rolandas Gimbutis: 2.09 m – Lithuania

Rolandas Gimbutis

Rolandas Gimbutis, at 2.09 meters tall, was a swimming sensation from Lithuania. Known for his remarkable size and strength in the pool, Gimbutis’ achievements in swimming earned him acclaim as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.

Gustavo Borges: 2.03 m – Brazil

Gustavo Borges

Gustavo Borges, towering at 2.03 meters, was a Brazilian swimming legend. Renowned for his powerful strokes and impeccable technique, Borges’ dominance in the pool solidified his status as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.

Matt Grevers: 2.03 m – United States

Matt Grevers

Matt Grevers, standing at 2.03 meters, was a swimming icon from the United States. Known for his versatility and speed in the water, Grevers’ illustrious career in swimming earned him numerous accolades and records.


The tallest tennismen of all time

 

Ivo Karlović: 2.11 m – Croatia

Ivo Karlović

Ivo Karlović, at 2.11 meters tall, was a towering presence in the world of tennis from Croatia. Known for his powerful serve and relentless determination on the court, Karlović’s impact on the sport remains legendary.

Reilly Opelka: 2m11 – United States

Reilly Opelka

Reilly Opelka, towering at 2.11 meters, is an American tennis prodigy known for his powerful serves and aggressive playing style. With his imposing stature and impressive skills, Opelka promises to leave a lasting mark on the tennis world.

John Isner: 2m08 – United States

John Isner

John Isner, standing at 2.08 meters, is a tennis titan from the United States. Renowned for his marathon matches and booming serve, Isner’s contributions to the sport have solidified his status as one of its greatest competitors.


The tallest handball players of all time

 

Hamad-Fethiye: 2.25 m Egypt

Hamad-Fethiye

Hamad-Fethiye, towering at an impressive 2.25 meters, was a towering figure in Egyptian handball. Renowned for his agility and scoring prowess, Hamad-Fethiye’s impact on the sport remains revered by fans and players alike.

Dainis Krištopāns: 2.14 m Latvia

Dainis Krištopāns

Dainis Krištopāns, standing at 2.14 meters, was a dominant force in Latvian handball. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the court, Krištopāns’ legacy as one of the greatest handball players of all time endures.

Jordan Bonilaury: 2.13 m – France

Jordan Bonilaury

Jordan Bonilaury, at 2.13 meters tall, was a towering figure in French handball. Renowned for his agility and playmaking ability, Bonilaury’s impact on the sport is celebrated by fans and peers alike.


The tallest track and field athletes of all time

 

Ingo Schulz: 2.01 m – Germany (400m)

Ingo Schulz

Ingo Schulz, towering at 2.01 meters, was a sprinting powerhouse from Germany known for his dominance in the 400-meter dash. Renowned for his explosive speed and impeccable technique, Schulz’s achievements on the track solidified his status as one of the greatest athletes in sprinting history.

Usain Bolt: 1.95 m – Jamaica (sprint)

Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt, standing at 1.95 meters, is a legendary sprinter from Jamaica. Known as the fastest man on earth, Bolt’s electrifying speed and record-breaking performances have secured his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Chris Solinsky: 1.85 m – United States (miles)

Chris Solinsky

Chris Solinsky, at 1.85 meters tall, was a middle-distance running sensation from the United States. Known for his grit and determination on the track, Solinsky’s achievements in the mile run remain revered in the world of athletics.


The tallest volleyball players of all time

 

Morteza Mehrzad: 2.46 m – Iran (Paralympic)

Morteza Mehrzad

Morteza Mehrzad, towering at an extraordinary 2.46 meters, is a Paralympic volleyball icon from Iran. Renowned for his incredible blocking abilities and agility on the court, Mehrzad’s impact transcends disability sports, making him one of the most celebrated volleyball players of all time.

Aleksey Kazakov: 2.18 m – Russia

Aleksey Kazakov

Aleksey Kazakov, standing at 2.18 meters, was a towering presence in Russian volleyball. Known for his dominance at the net and powerful spikes, Kazakov’s contributions to the sport earned him acclaim as one of its greatest players.

Dmitrij Muserskiy: 2.18 m – Russia

Dmitrij Muserskiy

Dmitrij Muserskiy, at 2.18 meters tall, is a volleyball powerhouse from Russia. Renowned for his imposing presence at the net and incredible blocking skills, Muserskiy’s impact on the sport is legendary.


The tallest weightlifters of all time

 

Velichko Cholakov: 201 cm – Bulgaria

Velichko Cholakov

Velichko Cholakov, standing at 201 centimeters, was a weightlifting legend from Bulgaria. Renowned for his remarkable strength and technique, Cholakov’s achievements in the sport earned him widespread admiration and respect.

Lasha Talakhadze: 197 cm – Georgia

Lasha Talakhadze

Lasha Talakhadze, at 197 centimeters tall, is a weightlifting sensation from Georgia. Known for his incredible power and dominance in the super heavyweight division, Talakhadze’s achievements in weightlifting are unparalleled.

Behdad Salimi Kordasiabi: 197 cm – Iran

Behdad Salimi Kordasiabi

Behdad Salimi Kordasiabi, towering at 197 centimeters, is a weightlifting powerhouse from Iran. Renowned for his exceptional strength and competitive spirit, Kordasiabi’s impact on the sport is revered by fans and fellow athletes alike.


The tallest judokas of all time

 

Teddy Riner: 2.04 m – France

Teddy Riner

Teddy Riner, standing at 2.04 meters, is a judo legend from France. Known for his incredible size and agility on the mat, Riner’s dominance in the sport has earned him numerous world titles and Olympic medals.

Anton Geesink: 1.93 m – Netherlands

Anton Geesink

Anton Geesink, at 1.93 meters tall, was a judo icon from the Netherlands. Renowned for his technical mastery and strategic prowess, Geesink’s influence on the sport of judo is immeasurable.

David Douillet: 1.93 m – France

David Douillet

David Douillet, towering at 1.93 meters, was a judo powerhouse from France. Known for his strength and competitive spirit, Douillet’s achievements in judo earned him acclaim as one of the sport’s greatest champions.


The tallest table tennis players of all time

 

Tomislav Pucar: 1.97 cm – Croatia

Tomislav Pucar

Tomislav Pucar, standing at 1.97 centimeters, is a table tennis sensation from Croatia. Renowned for his precision and agility on the table, Pucar’s skills have earned him recognition as one of the greatest table tennis players of all time.

Omar Assar: 1.96 cm – Egypt

Omar Assar

Omar Assar, at 1.96 centimeters tall, is a table tennis prodigy from Egypt. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and strategic gameplay, Assar’s achievements in table tennis have propelled him to international stardom.

Steffen Mengel: 1.95 cm – Germany

Steffen Mengel

Steffen Mengel, standing at 1.95 centimeters, is a table tennis virtuoso from Germany. Renowned for his technical mastery and creativity on the table, Mengel’s contributions to the sport have earned him widespread acclaim.


The tallest strongmen of all time

 

Angus MacAskill: 2.36 m – Canada

Angus MacAskill

Angus MacAskill, towering at an astonishing 2.36 meters, was a legendary strongman from Canada. Known for his incredible feats of strength and towering stature, MacAskill’s legacy as one of the greatest strongmen of all time endures.

Ted van der Parre: 2.13 m – Netherlands

Ted van der Parre

Ted van der Parre, standing at 2.13 meters, was a formidable force in the world of strongman competition from the Netherlands. Renowned for his remarkable strength and athleticism, van der Parre’s achievements continue to inspire aspiring strongmen worldwide.

Nathan Jones: 2.08 m – Australia

Nathan Jones

Nathan Jones, towering at 2.08 meters, was a towering figure in Australian strongman history. Known for his imposing presence and extraordinary feats of strength, Jones’ impact on the world of strongman competition remains unmatched.


The tallest wrestlers of all time

 

Giant Gonzalez: 2.31m – Argentina

Giant Gonzalez

Giant Gonzalez, standing at an astounding 2.31 meters, was a wrestling behemoth from Argentina. Renowned for his towering stature and formidable presence in the ring, Gonzalez’s legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time endures.

Andre the Giant: 2.24 m – France

Andre the Giant

Andre the Giant, at 2.24 meters tall, was a wrestling icon from France. Known for his larger-than-life persona and unmatched charisma, Andre’s impact on the world of professional wrestling is legendary.

Omos: 2.21 m – United States

Omos

Omos, towering at 2.21 meters, is a rising star in the world of professional wrestling from the United States. Renowned for his immense size and athleticism, Omos’ potential to become one of the sport’s greats is undeniable.


The tallest jockeys of all time

 

Jack Andrews: 1.93 m – United Kingdom

Jack Andrews

Jack Andrews, standing at 1.93 meters, was a towering figure in the world of horse racing from the United Kingdom. Known for his skillful riding and strategic prowess, Andrews’ legacy as one of the greatest jockeys of all time endures.

Davy Russell: 1.80 m – Ireland

Davy Russell

Davy Russell, at 1.80 meters tall, is a renowned jockey from Ireland. Known for his tactical acumen and fearless riding, Russell’s achievements in horse racing have earned him widespread admiration and respect.

Ryan Mania: 1.80 m – Scotland

Ryan Mania

Ryan Mania, standing at 1.80 meters, is a talented jockey from Scotland. Renowned for his agility and horsemanship, Mania’s success in horse racing is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.

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