Although size is not a guarantee that one can make it big in the challenging world of sports, certain athletes benefit from their mighty height and weight. Meanwhile, others taunt their opponents with their largeness but fall short in their performances.
Here we look at some of the biggest athletes from different sports who are hard to miss, not necessarily because of their skills and talents but because of their sheer size. Let's also learn what they have been up to these days: whether they made it big in the biz or quit the job.
Sharran Alexander | Sumo Wrestling (6'11", 448 lbs)
Contrary to popular opinion, sumo wrestling isn't just for men because a few women have expressed interest in this field, including Sharran Alexander, said to be the only British female sumo wrestler. According to Yahoo, she is also the heaviest, which may be because she consumes around 5K calories a day to maintain this.
Alexander gave a glimpse of her daily life when she appeared at a Channel 5 documentary where she said she didn't plan on getting slender ever because she was born big. These days, the amateur sumo wrestler is leading a relatively quiet life after setting her Instagram account private.
Charlotte Flair | Wrestling (5'83", 147.1 lbs)
WWE star Charlotte Flair, who calls herself the Queen of Wrestling, remains a big player in the franchise, having won at least ten women's championships. This may be credited to the diva's dedication to fitness to maintain her physique for her matches. According to Essentially Sports, the celebrity usually focuses on one body part per day, so she does strength training three to four days a week.
As for nutrition, Flair opts for a high-protein meal plan and sometimes practices intermittent fasting. When not busy wrestling with other divas, fans may find her updating her Instagram account.
Trish Stratus | Wrestling (5'3", 125.6 lbs)
Trish Stratus, whose real name is Patricia Stratigias, is also a wrestling diva known for her work with WWE. Standing a little over 5'3," don't let her height deceive you because she has so much talent in her frame. Under her belt are several women's world championship wins that she began garnering since the '90s.
Due to her longevity in the industry, it's not surprising that she is considered one of the most popular on the roster. On top of her wrestling career, she is also an actress who starred in the 2020 movie "Christmas in the Rockies." Stratus is filming a 2022 holiday feature.
Margo Dydek | Basketball (7'2", 222 lbs)
Margo Dydek towered over another basketball player during her heyday because the Polish athlete was regarded as the tallest WNBA player ever. After professionally playing for different teams, she became a coach for the Queensland Basketball League Northside Wizards.
She wasn't just tall; she was also a very skilled basketball player. The athlete was Utah Starzz's no. 1 pick during the 1998 WNBA draft season. Unfortunately, Dydek passed away in 2011, eight days after a heart attack. Worse, she was bearing her child with her husband, David Twigg, and the unborn baby also didn't survive the ordeal.
Mamadou N’Diaye | Basketball (7'6", 302 lbs)
At 7'6", Senegalese basketball player Mamadou N'Diaye was the tallest athlete in NCAA Division I while playing for UC Irvine. He was the eighth draft pick in the 2021 BIG3 SuperDraft after competing for the Correcaminos UAT Victoria in the 2019-2020 season. Of course, his wingspan of 2.51 meters immensely helped him in his strategy.
When he is not on the court, fans can find him traveling and meeting celebrities. He has certainly found his way to his celebrity circle, oftentimes sharing snaps with big names like Floyd Mayweather, Magic Johnson, and Michael Phelps. N'Diaye also attended the 2022 Super Bowl.
Ronnie Coleman | Bodybuilding (5'9", 299.8 lbs)
When we think of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the star of the "Terminator" franchise, comes to mind. However, another big name in the biz is Ronnie Coleman, who is regarded as one of the most successful and renowned bodybuilders in the world. Although he is now retired, he is widely remembered for winning Mr. Olympia for eight consecutive years!
As a bodybuilder, Coleman is unsurprisingly massive. These days, his supporters will not find him competing against other buff athletes but instead in front of a camera. He has his namesake YouTube channel, where he shares tidbits about his life and reactions to the craziest videos found.
Nate Newton | Football (6'26", 335 lbs)
Former football player Nate Newton was considered one of the biggest in the game during his heyday, which explains why he was included in the roster of the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022. His nickname 'The Kitchen' reportedly came about because he was bigger than William Perry, whose moniker was 'The Refrigerator.'
Apart from his playing career, Newton gained notoriety in the early '00s because of his troubling ways. He had multiple brushes with authorities for dealing with illegal substances, which landed him behind bars. Thankfully, he managed to turn over a new leaf.
Adebayo Akinfenwa | Soccer (6'07'', 224 lbs)
Professional footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa, who plays for Wycombe Wanderers, is a fan-favorite for his larger-than-life personality. During a match against MK Dons in February 2022, he took the initiative to school supporters of his opponents, who chanted offensively.
His nickname 'The Beast' is quite self-explanatory; just look at his build and size. Akinfenwa played for the lower leagues, and while he was with Doncaster Rovers, his big break came. The football player is also a family man, often sharing snaps of his kids on social media, including his 12-year-old son, who seemed to have the same height as his!
Shawn Bradley | Basketball (7'6", 275 lbs)
At 7'6", Shawn Bradley is easily one the tallest players in the world of basketball. He was picked no. 2 during the 1993 draft season and had played for the New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Philadelphia 76ers. He retired in 2005 when he was just 33, with many analysts believing he never showed his true potential.
However, these days, he isn't as towering as he used to, primarily because he is confined in a wheelchair. This came after a January 2021 incident where he was struck by a minivan while he was riding his bike near his home in St. George, Utah.
Roy Hibbert | Basketball (7'15", 270 lbs)
In 2018, Jamaican-American basketball player Roy Hibbert announced his time in the National Basketball Association was up after over 660 games, much to his fans' disappointment. Throughout his career, he performed in the NBA All-Star twice. He was drafted 17th overall by the Toronto Raptors during the 2008 season.
And yet, he decided to leave the scene while he was just in his 30s. Even if this was the case, Hibbert has a lot on his plate these days. He is kept busy by his podcast called "Never Lacking," as well as being a doting father to his two kids, who usually pop up on his Instagram feed.
Gheorghe Muresan | Basketball (7'7", 324 lbs)
In basketball, height definitely plays a big role, but that's not to say that tall athletes are the most skilled. When we're talking about size, the tallest in the NBA is no less than Gheorghe Muresan, the Romanian player who competed for the Washington Wizards and New Jersey Nets.
Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to his injuries, but that doesn't mean it is goodbye for him in the basketball world. According to his Instagram account, Muresan is the vice president for Romanian Basketball Federation and president for Giant Basketball Academy.
William Perry | Football (6'16", 350 lbs)
The Chicago Bears didn't make a wrong decision when they picked William Perry in 1985 because the rookie became one of the most successful team players. He was instrumental in the team's Super Bowl XX win, which prompted brands to tap him for their commercials.
Perry, who earned the moniker The Refrigerator, retired in 1996. Many years later, he appeared in the "Celebrity Boxing II" on Fox in 2002. Unfortunately, this was the start of his downfall because he tipped the scale and suffered from several health issues as a result. These days, he has been spending time at an assisted living facility.
Maria Sharapova | Tennis (6'16", 130 lbs)
Many fans may easily recognize this tall athlete because she blurred the line between being a talented professional tennis player and a celebrity who frequented red-carpet events. Maria Sharapova was hailed as the former no. 1 player in the world during her heyday.
The Russian sportswoman, who hung up her boots in 2020, is now a mainstay in the entertainment scene, having been invited to big events such as the 2021 Women in Entertainment, held by The Hollywood Reporter. She is also an entrepreneur who launched her own guilt-free candy line called Sugarpova.
Hafthor Julius Bjornsson | Strongman (6'9", 440 lbs)
Iceland athlete Hafthor Julius Bjornsson made waves by winning the World's Strongest Man, Arnold Strongman Classic, and Europe's Strongest Man in one year. However, the 6'9" man became more popular when he portrayed Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane in the hit HBO show "Game of Thrones."
Today, Bjornsson has been focusing on boxing and is going head to head with Eddie Hall in a heavyweight fight in 2022. Win or lose, the strongman has a supportive wife, Kelsey Henson, who will stand by him no matter what. Plus, he also has his baby boy to inspire him in the bout.
Jorge Gonzalez | Wrestling (8'0", 460 lbs)
Judging by this screengrab, we can already tell that Jorge Gonzalez (left) was already taller than the Big Show. The Argentinian athlete earned the nicknames El Gigante and Giant Gonzalez because of his towering height. He also used to be a basketball player and an actor.
Some of Gonzalez's acting credits include "Thunder in Paradise," "Hercules in the Underworld," and "Baywatch." He tragically passed away in 2010 at only 44, reportedly due to several health issues. According to Wrestler Deaths.com, the Argentine had been plagued with medical problems since he was a child.
Kristaps Porzingis | Basketball (7'3", 240 lbs)
Latvian basketball player Kristaps Porzingis remains one of the tallest NBA stars who are active in the scene as of 2022. The Washington Wizards athlete started his career in EuroLeague's Sevilla in 2012 and became the youngest recipient of the EuroCup Basketball Rising Star title in 2015.
While the New York Knicks chose him, Porzingis also played for the Dallas Mavericks, although his tenure with the latter team was marred with injuries. He was traded to the Wizards in February 2022, although it is safe to say that there was no bad blood because he expressed gratitude to the team in an Instagram post.
Kevin Levrone | Bodybuilding (5'9", 253.5 lbs)
Renowned bodybuilder Kevin Levrone had not won Mr. Olympia, but despite this, he is considered one of the biggest names in the sport in the 1990s because of his IFBB wins. He stopped competing in 2003 but hasn't officially announced his retirement, saying he wasn't hanging up his boots; rather, he was exploring other possibilities.
Indeed, Levrone had dipped his toes into many ventures, including selling his own merchandise and health supplements. He also remains to be a big fitness enthusiast who loves to share his sweat sessions on social media. He is set to attend the FIBO trade fair in 2022.
Simona Halep | Tennis (5'51", 132.2 lbs)
Romanian tennis player Simona Halep is one of the biggest names in the sports industry these days. She competed in the 2022 Dubai Duty Free championship, although she didn't win against Jelena Ostapenko because she said she "stopped playing" and lost her focus after two sets.
Nonetheless, Halep maintained she wasn't leaning on the negative and still hoped for another competition. At 5'5", she isn't the tallest in the tennis scene, but she definitely has the skills and agility for the game as she was named the world's no. 1 a couple of times.
John Cena | Wrestling (6'07", 251.3 lbs)
Avid fans of WWE and the wrestling industry, in general, must know who John Cena is. He happens to be one of the most celebrated and successful athletes who has made a lasting career in Hollywood, too! He has not retired from showing his signature "You Can't See Me" move on the ring but he rarely makes appearances these days.
Cena did grace WWE again in 2021 for Wrestlemania but has since become more active in acting. In 2022, he played Christopher Smith in the show Peacemaker, a role which he also portrayed in the 2021 movie "The Suicide Squad."
Eddy Curry | Basketball (7'0", 295 lb)
Former basketball star Eddy Curry's Instagram account tells us where his focus is these days: on top of his bio, he also features his family dominantly on his profile, leaving his fans updated on his priorities. The retired NBA star used to play for the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, NY Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks.
According to Bleacher Report, Curry originally wanted to be a gymnast but later realized he had the skills and size to be a successful basketball player. So straight after finishing high school, the athlete ditched his education to be drafted by the Bulls.
Nikolai Valuev | Boxing (6'98", 330 lbs)
Boxing behemoth Nikolai Valuev had a lot of practice before becoming a professional boxer. The Russian was first in athletics then basketball before taking on odd jobs prior to becoming a renowned sportsman. Known for his powerful punch, the man has tried other lines of work although they aren't related to the sport.
From a boxer, Valuev, who is a member of the state Duma, expressed interest in politics, often weighing about events in his home country on his Instagram account. He is also a presenter for "Good Night, Little Ones!" a popular children's show in Russia.
Peter Crouch | Soccer (6'75", 165 lbs)
Peter Crouch announced his retirement from professional football in 2019, but he didn't entirely turn his back to the sport. While he no longer plays on the field, he has been busy directing his childhood team Dulwich Hamlet and is a columnist. He has become a TV sensation, too, who became the face of "Year-Late Euros" and "Save Our Summer."
Crouch, who is also at the helm of his namesake podcast, is happily married to celebrity Abbey Clancy, who revealed she and her husband faced marital problems when they were expecting their fourth child.
Blanka Vlasic | High Jump (6'23", 163 lbs)
Regarded as the second-highest female jumper globally, Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic also boasts two Olympic medals under her belt. Unfortunately, she announced her retirement in February 2021 after a decade plagued with injuries. While she had hoped to secure another medal later that year, she decided it wasn't feasible.
With her slender frame, it doesn't take a genius to figure out how Vlasic could perform impressively during competitions. She first gained waves as a teen when she debuted during the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and then snatched the world U20 title a few weeks later.
Anna Watson | Cheerleader (5'11", 291 lbs)
Many Internet users may have come across this image turned into a meme. However, not many people know that the person on the right is Anna Watson, the University of Georgia student who was dubbed as the world's strongest cheerleader. She garnered fans because of her physique that wasn't conventional for cheerleaders.
In a DailyMail feature, it was revealed that Watson started weightlifting in college to help with the stunts. Although it's unclear what she has been up to these days, she previously said that she planned to go to the Dominican Republic for a mission.
Big Show | Wrestling (6'99", 383.5 lbs)
While The Big Show, whose real name is Paul Donald Wight II, has made rare appearances on the wrestling ring in recent months, many fans still get to see him as a commentator "AEW Dark: Elevation." He may also be recognized for the sitcom "The Big Show Show" that aired on Netflix in 2020.
Given his screen name, Wight is undoubtedly big, which was a result of acromegaly. At 12, he was already standing 6'2", which definitely was not ordinary. His size eventually became advantageous when he became a basketball player in high school and college.
Stefan Struve | Mixed Martial Arts (6'99", 266.7 lbs)
Stefan Struve may have retired from mixed martial arts, but he will go down in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship as the tallest guy in this industry. Standing nearly 7'0", the Dutch earned the nickname Skyscraper because of his towering height.
He bid adieu to his professional career in 2021 because of the lingering effects of a health issue that stemmed from his battle against Tai Tuivasa in the previous year. While Struve, whose most notable win came in 2012, clarified that he had no problem performing everyday tasks, he couldn't do daily training anymore.
Shaquille O’Neal | Basketball (7'1", 383.6 lbs)
Even though Shaquille O'Neal doesn't professionally play basketball anymore, he can easily be spotted in a crowd because of his height. At 7'1", he used to be one of the tallest guys in the NBA, which he used to his advantage when playing for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.
Since he left the court, O'Neal has become an analyst and an actor who appeared in "Grown Ups 2" and "Uncle Drew." However, he is best remembered for his basketball days. During the 75th anniversary of the NBA in February 2022, he was named an all-time great.
Natalia Trukhina | Bodybuilding (6'7'', 225 lbs)
Ladies who are into bodybuilding aren't so common these days. but when we talk about it, one of the people who comes to mind is Nataliya Kuznetsova, the athlete who boasts armlifting, deadlifting, and benchpress records. She started lifting at 14 and became a professional two years later.
She started early in the biz because of self-esteem issues and to build confidence during her teenage years. To this day, Kuznetsova is active on the scene and loves to share her body progress on social media, specifically on Instagram, where she boasts over 840K followers. She is an endorser for 5% Nutrition.
Dalip' The Great Khali' Singh Rana | Wrestling (7'08", 347 lbs)
Dalip Singh Rana became known as The Great Khali when he stepped foot on the WWE ring in 2000, gaining recognition for his massive size. Most of his opponents couldn't come near him because they were just within his reach. One of his most notable wins happened in 2006 against Undertaker, whom he defeated in just 10 minutes.
Rana, who suffers from acromegaly that results in his gigantism, eventually retired from WWE in 2014 and returned to his home country of India to train aspiring wrestling stars. He founded the CWE Wrestling Academy in 2015.
Lisa Leslie | Basketball (6'43", 169.7 lbs)
Back in the day, Lisa Leslie was known for being the extremely tall and agile basketball player in the WNBA. Even when she was young, she already garnered attention because of her height, standing at 6'0" when she was only a sixth-grader. Instead of cowering down, she learned to adapt to what was needed.
Since she is left-handed, Leslie had to study being ambidextrous while playing ball, a skill that eventually played off when she turned professional. After turning her back on basketball, the athlete has dedicated her time as a BIG3 coach and a public speaker.
Becky Lynch | Wrestling (5'51", 134.4 lbs)
There are many WWE divas who are definitely bigger than Rebecca Quin, professionally known as Becky Lynch, but she does know how to beat them. In February 2022, the Raw Women's champion beat Lita during the elimination chamber. As such, it isn't surprising that she is one of the highest-paid and most recognizable stars of the franchise.
While Lynch often shows her fierce A-game when on the ring, she shows a little bit of her soft side on social media. She frequently shares snaps of her daughter, albeit without the face, and gushes over her husband, co-wrestler Seth Rollins, whom she wed in 2021.
Aaron Sandilands | Australian Football (6'92", 262.3 lbs)
In 2021, fans of Aaron Sandilands were delighted to have heard that the AFL star was returning to the scene. Unfortunately, there is no truth to this as the footballer, who announced his retirement in 2019, wouldn't be back on the field. Since he hung up his boots, the athlete has been busy working with the charity Starlight Children's Foundation.
The Fremantle Dockers' former ruckman, who was once a Guinness World Record holder for being the tallest AFL player, swam during the Rottnest Channel Swim in February 2022 to raise funds for the foundation.
Chuck Nevitt | Basketball (7'5", 216 lbs)
Due to his height of 7'5", Chuck Nevitt was always the center when he was still active in the NBA. He played over 150 games but only had an average of 1.6 points, according to NBC Sports. During his tenure, he played for several teams like San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Pistons.
Due to his slender frame, he earned the moniker the "human popsicle stick," weighing only around 220 pounds at the time. Nevitt has long retired from the scene, and we don't know what he has been up to these days, but he has a lot of stories to tell from his NBA days.
Randy Johnson | Baseball (6'10", 224.8 lbs)
Diehard MLB fans must remember Randy Johnson, who mostly played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners during his 22-year career. He was aptly called The Big Unit, perhaps due to his tall stature (6'10"). According to Fan Buzz, the athlete now leads a quiet life in Paradise Valley, Arizona, with his family.
Even if this is the case, Johnson's fans probably didn't forget how fast the sportsman was. In a March 2001 match against the San Francisco Giants, he delivered a powerful throw that killed a bird, a viral footage of which was captured by a coach.
Holley Mangold | Weightlifting (5'8", 415.6 lbs)
When it comes to weightlifting, Holley Mangold is one of the more popular American athletes because of her radiant personality. She joined the team that represented the United States in the Olympics in 2012. A year later, she became a celebrity when she embarked on a fitness journey upon entering "The Biggest Loser."
However, Mangold didn't join the national team in competing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The sister of Nick Mangold, the New York Jets Pro Bowl center, doesn't seem to be active on social media these days.
John Krahn | Football (6'82", 410 lbs)
In 2021, rumors emerged that WWE was scouting young and big athletes who could become the next wrestling superstars. It was said that footballer John Krahn, who stands almost 7'0", was being eyed. It wouldn't be surprising if the franchise would sign him because he is the largest to have played at Portland State.
Krahn gained notoriety after he was put under the spotlight, and soon, many outlets like "Good Morning America" interviewed him. According to Bleacher Report, the athlete was already standing 6'3" and weighed 325 pounds when he was just 13.
Choi Hong-man | Kickboxing (7'21", 352.7 lbs)
"Techno Goliath," "Korean Colossus," and "Korean Monster" are just some of the nicknames given to Choi Hong-man, who didn't just make the headlines for kickboxing but also mixed martial arts and ssireum wrestling. Standing 7'2", he is one of the biggest stars in the MMA industry.
One of his most notable fights happened in 2006 during his first bout against Bobby Ologun, whom he defeated in just 16 seconds! Choi also fought baseball player Jose Canseco. These days, the South Korean star has kept a relatively low profile, opting to set his Instagram account to private.
Zdeno Chara | Hockey (6'9", 242 lbs)
In February 2022, hockey player Zdeno Chara made waves by breaking the record for having the most NHL games for a defenseman. His height of 6'9" may have had a hand in this feat, which earned him the moniker "Big Z." Fun fact: he is the tallest athlete to have ever played in the league.
Chara also uses a longer stick, said to be four inches longer than what the NHL allows, because of his height. While the Slovak has played for different teams, he is largely associated with the Boston Bruins, for which he served as the captain for over a decade.
Arvydas Sabonis | Basketball (7'25", 291 lbs)
In January 2022, Domantas Sabonis officially surpassed his father Arvydas Sabonis' career points. Of course, the retired basketball player, who stands 7'3", may be so proud of his son, whom he shares with actress Ingrida Mikelionyte. The Lithuanian superstar was only active for seven seasons in the NBA but made a mark in the industry.
The younger Sabonis, meanwhile, stands 6'11", which isn't bad, too, for a basketball player. He beat his dad's record during a game against the Thunder, earning 5,648 points after his 24-point triple-double that helped his team Pacers.
Erika Ervin | Fitness Trainer (6'8", 198.4 lbs)
In 2011, Erika Ervin, popularly known as Amazon Eve, earned a Guinness World Record for being the tallest model in the world at 6'8". While she is a trainer, many now know her as an actress who frequently appeared in "American Horror Story" and "Amazon Proof Your Home."
Ervin has fully embraced her height, as evident on her Twitter handle, Still Tall Not Shrinking. As of writing, the actress isn't active on Instagram, but fans can reminisce on her good old days from the Zoo Weekly, an Australian magazine that she graced the front cover of.
Andy Fordham | Darts (6'0", 335.9 lbs)
Winmau World Masters winner Andy Fordham was only 6'0," but he was already regarded as a tall athlete in the darts industry. He made waves by winning the BDO World Darts Championship in 2004. However, he also gained notoriety for his poor lifestyle choices that resulted in health problems.
In 2021, Fordham passed away after succumbing to several health issues. His widow admitted that when her late husband stopped drinking in accordance with her request, it did show a lot of changes and may have had a hand in another 14 years of his life.
Eric Esch | Boxing & MMA (5'97", 425.4 lbs)
Avid fans of Eric Esch, more known as Butterbean, may remember his time as a boxer, mixed martial artist, and kickboxer. Of his 27 MMA matches, he won an impressive 17, and out of the 67 boxing fights he had, he came out victorious 63 times. His skills made him a celebrity, too.
Esch appeared in several shows and films like "Big Law: Deputy Butterbean," "Comedy Only In Da Hood," and "Chairman of the Board." These days, the sportsman has been capitalizing on his successful sports career, earning from Cameo. He has also dipped his toes into TikTok.
Rik Smits | Basketball (7'34", 249 lbs)
Dutch athlete Rik Smits may not have been active in the scene since 2000, but his talent in playing ball is hard to forget. He gained interest in basketball when he was just a teen, and after honing his craft, he led Marist College to its first NCAA tournament.
In 1988, he was drafted second overall by the Indiana Pacers, for which he played for his entire career. Smits, however, was plagued with nerve issues on his feet that stemmed from wearing too tight footwear when he was a teen. We haven't heard from him much, but he still boasts a fortune of $18 million.
Mohammad Irfan | Cricket (7'1", 257.9 lbs)
Pakistani athlete Mohammad Irfan competes in international and first-class cricket games, but he may be best known for his towering height. Before making it big in the biz, he worked at a pipe factory, and it was when he was in a club match that he was discovered by Nadeem Iqbal, a retired cricketer.
After debuting, Irfan was quick to gain the attention of teams. However, he was suspended in 2017 for reportedly violating the anti-corruption code. The cricketer has come back to his feet and plays for the Quetta Gladiators as of 2022.
Dexter Jackson | Bodybuilding (5'5", 216 lbs)
Mr. Olympia 2008 Dexter Jackson is not the tallest bodybuilder out there, but his massive size is what made us think he belongs to this list. Called The Blade, he is the athlete with 29 wins, which means he has the second-highest professional bodybuilding titles.
To this day, Jackson remains in tip-top shape and maintains his impressive physique through an active lifestyle. He loves sharing his sweat sessions on Instagram and inspires his fans by encouraging them to get up and move. According to his posts, he also coaches those who need help by offering plans.
Charity Witt | Powerlifting (Height Undisclosed, Between 161 Lbs & 181 Lbs)
Powerlifters are familiar with Charity Witt; after all, her story is one that will inspire. Before making it successful in the industry, she first struggled to survive, and at one point, she didn't have a home. She also worked odd jobs to make ends meet before continuing her study through a scholarship.
Although her doctor advised her to live a sedentary lifestyle due to her sickness, she didn't take the advice and began powerlifting. These days, Witt takes to Instagram to share tidbits about her journey and offers coaching services.
André Roussimoff | Wrestling (7'34", 520 lbs)
In the wrestling world, Andre Roussimoff was known as Andre the Giant. That's because he stood over 7 feet, which was due to a condition called gigantism. There was much fascination about his size that he was also dubbed the eighth wonder of the world.
The colossal athlete was one of the biggest audience magnets of WWE in the '70s. As a child, his size was a problem because, at 12, he was already standing 6'3". Despite this, Roussimoff didn't let this affect him and instead used this to his advantage.
Konishiki Yasokichi | Sumo Wrestling (6'03", 632.7 lbs)
Konishiki Yasokichi wanted to become a lawyer at first, but after he was discovered in Hawaii, he became a sumo wrestler, the first non-Japanese to have reached the second-highest possible rank called ozeki. After his career in sumo wrestling ended, he took the time to be an elder for amateurs.
Yasokichi became heavily involved in many endeavors since then, including founding the Konishiki Kids Foundation for underprivileged kids. In 2021, he opened up about his time as a sumo wrestler, revealing that he only had two meals a day at the height of his career.
Brittney Griner | Basketball (6'75", 205 lbs)
Brittney Griner began making a name in basketball when she was still playing for the Baylor Lady Bears, ultimately becoming the only NCAA athlete to score 2,000 points. As such, it wasn't surprising that she turned professional after. She is now playing for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA.
As of 2022, Griner loves sharing life updates on her Instagram account. She is married to Cherelle T. Griner, who takes up a huge space on her profile. The basketball star is also an in-demand endorser who markets the Oura Ring, which is said to track one's health.
Aílton | Soccer (5'83", 220 lbs)
Aílton Gonçalves da Silva, mononymously known by his first name, was a former striker who played for teams like Ypiranga, Mogi Mirim, Guarani, and Santa Cruz. His size aside, he was nicknamed "Kugelblitz," which means ball lighting in German due to his agility and strength.
While not a player anymore, Aílton still has impressive skills. In a February 2022 Instagram post, the athlete showcased his technique at a sports store and claimed he had the same technique in 2004. On top of this, he seems interested in horses as he loves sharing clips of his pets, too.