These Colossal Athletes Are Giants in Their Games!
Andy Fordham – 6’2″, 445 lb
Andy Fordham, known as “The Viking,” was a beloved figure in the world of darts. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing over 400 pounds at his peak, he was a formidable presence at the oche. Andy’s biggest achievement came in 2004 when he won the BDO World Darts Championship, earning him immense popularity.
Despite his size, he was known for his gentle demeanor and sportsmanship. Andy’s battles with health issues and his remarkable comeback stories have endeared him to fans worldwide. His unique blend of talent and personality made him a memorable figure in the sport.
Nikolai Valuev – 7′
Known as the “Russian Giant,” Nikolai Valuev stands at an impressive 7-foot-0 and weighs around 328 pounds. His incredible size and strength helped him become a two-time WBA heavyweight champion.
Starting his boxing career in the 1990s, Nikolai quickly gained fame for his massive stature and powerful punches. Beyond his boxing success, he has also ventured into politics and acting. This unique mix of athletic skill, towering presence, and versatility has made him a standout figure both in the ring and beyond.
Konishiki Yasokichi – 633 lb
Konishiki Yasokichi, a renowned sumo wrestler, weighed an astonishing 633 pounds at his peak. Standing at 6-foot-1, he was the heaviest wrestler in sumo history. Known as “The Dump Truck,” Konishiki joined Sumo in 1982 and quickly made a name for himself.
Despite not being Japanese, he became the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the prestigious rank of ōzeki in 1987. Beyond his sumo achievements, Konishiki’s passion for music led him to release several rap albums in the 1990s, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
Brittney Griner – 6’9″
Brittney Griner, at an incredible 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, is a basketball sensation. Known for her impressive height and skill, she plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Brittney made headlines as the first NCAA player to score 2,000 points and block 500 shots.
She’s also a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Her impressive dunks and defensive prowess make her a standout on the court. Off the court, Brittney advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, adding to her popularity and influence. Her combination of talent and activism makes her a remarkable figure in sports.
Gheorghe Muresan – 7’7″
Gheorghe Muresan, standing at a staggering 7-foot-7 and weighing 325 pounds, is one of the tallest players to ever hit the NBA courts. He started his career with the Washington Bullets in 1993 and quickly made his mark.
Known for his blocking and scoring, he even snagged the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1996. Born in Romania, his impressive height comes from a pituitary gland condition. Off the court, he starred in the 1998 film “My Giant,” showing off his charm and versatility beyond basketball.
Lacina Traore – 6’8″
Lacina Traore, famously known as “The Big Tree,” is a soccer player who stands an impressive 6-foot-8. This Ivorian striker is a force to be reckoned with, blending height and agility like no other. Kicking off his career with Stade d’Abidjan, Lacina went on to shine at clubs like Anzhi Makhachkala and AS Monaco.
His knack for scoring goals and dominating the air has made him a fan favorite. With his unique physical presence and thrilling play style, his journey through Europe’s top leagues has earned him well-deserved fame. His mix of size and skill is truly electrifying.
Hafthor Julius “Thor” Bjornsson – 6’9″, 452 lb
Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 452 pounds, Hafthor Julius “Thor” Bjornsson is a powerhouse in wrestling. Known for his immense strength, Thor transitioned from a strongman career, where he won the World’s Strongest Man title in 2018.
His wrestling journey began in 2015, showcasing his incredible athleticism and strength. Outside the ring, Thor is famous for portraying The Mountain on “Game of Thrones.” In 2021, he made headlines by boxing against fellow strongman Eddie Hall, proving his versatility and dedication to various physical challenges.
Dane De La Rosa – 6’7″
Known for his powerful arm, Dane De La Rosa, at 6-foot-7 and weighing 245 pounds, made his mark as a professional baseball pitcher. He played in the MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Angels.
A career highlight came in 2013 when he became a key reliever for the Angels, appearing in 75 games. Dane’s imposing size and consistent pitching made him a reliable presence on the mound. His journey from independent leagues to the majors is a testament to his determination and skill, earning him respect among fans and players alike.
Maria Sharapova – 6’2″
Winning Wimbledon at just 17, Maria Sharapova stunned the world with her skills and towering height of 6-foot-2. Her powerful physique made her a dominant force on the tennis court, leading her to five Grand Slam titles.
Beyond her tennis fame, Maria launched the famous candy brand Sugarpova in 2012. Her blend of height, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit makes her a standout figure both in sports and business. Whether dominating matches or building her brand, Maria’s larger-than-life presence continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Rik Smits – 7’4″
Nicknamed “The Dunking Dutchman,” Rik Smits was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. This 7-foot-4-inch center wasn’t just tall, he was a powerhouse for the Indiana Pacers for 12 seasons. Imagine a dunk contest where nobody else even comes close!
Rik racked up points, rebounds, and even made it to the NBA All-Star game. Though they never quite clinched the championship, Rik and his teammate Reggie Miller led the Pacers to some epic playoff runs, making him a legend among Indiana Pacers fans.
Peter Crouch – 6’7″
Towering over the pitch at a staggering 6-foot-7, Peter Crouch was a force to be reckoned with during his professional football career. His incredible height made him a dominant aerial threat, placing him firmly in the category of footballers who seem too large for the game.
Nicknamed “Crouchy” by fans, he holds the record for the most headed goals in Premier League history. He wasn’t all about brute force. Peter surprised many with his delicate touch and ability to hold up play for teammates, contributing to a successful career that saw him score over 100 goals in the Premier League.
Chuck Nevitt – 7’5″
Chuck Nevitt, a mountain of a man at a staggering 7-foot-5, isn’t your average NBA player. Fondly called the “Human Victory Cigar,” Chuck spent nine seasons in the league, most famously with the 1985 Lakers championship team, where he briefly held the title of tallest champion ever.
Averaging a cool 5.3 minutes a game, his presence was a force to be reckoned with, intimidating opponents and solidifying the defense. While points weren’t his game, his size alone made him a memorable figure on the court
Hong-Man Choi – 7’2″
In the realm of giants, Hong-Man Choi stood out. Towering at a colossal 7-foot-2 and weighing in at a bone-crunching 350 pounds, he earned the intimidating nickname “The Techno Goliath.” This South Korean behemoth carved a path through the kickboxing world, culminating in his capture of the 2005 K-1 Seoul Grand Prix title.
Yet, Hong-Man’s talents extended beyond the ring. In 2008, he floored fans with a surprising foray into the world of music, belting out tunes alongside a glamorous supermodel. It seems even giants can surprise you with their hidden depths.
Zdeno Chara – 6’9″
Zdeno Chara, measuring 6-foot-9 and weighing 250 pounds, is a hockey legend. Known for his towering presence and fierce defense, he played most of his career with the Boston Bruins. Chara captained the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011, solidifying his status as an elite player.
His slap shot is one of the hardest in NHL history, clocking in at 108.8 mph. Beyond his physical prowess, Zdeno is also multilingual and highly educated, making him a unique and respected figure in the sport.
Margo Dydek – 7’2″
Margo Dydek wasn’t just any player; she was the undisputed queen of height in the world of professional women’s basketball at 7-foot-2. Drafted number one overall in 1998, Margo’s presence was a force to be reckoned with. She racked up points, rebounds, and accolades, even becoming a two-time WNBA All-Star.
In 2008, she surprised the basketball world by taking over as coach of a men’s team in Australia. This move proved that her leadership and strategic mind were just as impressive as her stature.
Andy Fordham – 6’2″, 445 lb
Andy Fordham, known as “The Viking,” was a beloved figure in the world of darts. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing over 400 pounds at his peak, he was a formidable presence at the oche. Andy’s biggest achievement came in 2004 when he won the BDO World Darts Championship, earning him immense popularity.
Despite his size, he was known for his gentle demeanor and sportsmanship. Andy’s battles with health issues and his remarkable comeback stories have endeared him to fans worldwide. His unique blend of talent and personality made him a memorable figure in the sport.
Stefan Struve – 7′
Stefan Struve wasn’t your average teenager. By 17, the Dutch athlete was already making waves in the MMA world, towering over his opponents at a remarkable 7-foot tall. Nicknamed “The Skyscraper,” Stefan wasn’t just intimidatingly large; he was a skilled submission grappler, racking up an impressive 16-2 record before entering the prestigious UFC octagon in 2009.
But Stefan’s talents extended beyond the fighting arena. In 2012, he became the first UFC fighter to ever walk out to the iconic song “Eye of the Tiger,” a move that showed off his surprising musical taste.
Jon Rauch – 6’11”
Jon Rauch, standing at an impressive 6-foot-11 and weighing 290 pounds, is one of the tallest players in MLB history. Known for his powerful pitching, he played for several teams, including the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets.
Jon’s career highlight came in 2006 when he helped the White Sox win the World Series. His height gave him a unique presence on the mound, making batters uneasy. Beyond his pitching skills, Jon’s towering figure and consistent performance earned him a solid reputation in baseball.
The Tree Man – 6’7″
Unlike the nickname suggests, Danny Jones, the “Tree Man” of the fitness world, isn’t known for bark-like skin, but for his towering stature. Standing at a staggering 6-foot-7 and weighing in at a muscular 275 pounds, Danny wasn’t always a fitness guru.
In 2015, a social media post comparing him to a tree went viral, launching him into internet fame. This unexpected spotlight became a springboard for Danny. He leveraged his newfound platform to inspire others, sharing his passion for fitness and healthy living.
Eddy Curry – 7′
Eddy Curry, a 7-foot-0, 295-pound powerhouse, made his mark in the NBA with his impressive size and talent. Drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2001, he quickly gained a reputation for his scoring ability. His standout season came with the New York Knicks in 2006-07, when he averaged 19.5 points per game.
Despite dealing with health issues and personal challenges, Eddy’s presence on the court was undeniable. His journey through the NBA, filled with ups and downs, has left a memorable impact on fans and the basketball world.
Amazon Eve – 6’8″
Erika Ervin, better known as Amazon Eve, has always been head and shoulders above the rest. Nicknamed “Stretch” as a child, Eve’s 6-foot-8-inch frame turned out to be a major asset. In 2009, she embraced her height and landed a modeling gig that launched her career.
But Eve’s talents extended beyond the runway. She went on to conquer the world of acting, with appearances in “American Horror Story” proving that size can be a powerful asset on screen too. Eve’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected features can lead to outsized success.
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