The Best Athlete at (Almost) Every Height

Athletes come in all shapes and sizes. It’s one of the beauties of athletics: variety. The ideal size for every sport—every position, really—is so distinct, gifting us international sporting icons that range from the size of a 10-year-old to larger-than-life behemoths that defy any human limitations we thought existed. In appreciation of this wondrous diversity, we decided to list the best athletes right now at 28 different heights. Of course, such an ambitious list has more than a few regrettable omissions, and pinpointing an athlete’s exact height is virtually impossible. Still, this gathering of world-class athletes is, above all, a reminder that no one is too small, or too tall, to make it big. - Daniel Rapaport

SI Staff | Sep 22, 2017

The Best Athlete at (Almost) Every Height /

The Best Athlete at (Almost) Every Height

4’8”- Simone Biles

These shorter heights are dominated by gymnasts from Team USA’s gold-medal winning Final Five for two reasons: one, there aren’t too many athletes this short, and two, these women are amazing. Biles, still just 20 years old, is already the most accomplished American gymnast in history;—she’s a three-time world champion in the all-around, a three-time world champion in the floor exercise and a two-time world champion on the balance beam, but she became a household name at the 2016 Olympics. Biles won four golds in Rio—the team championship to go along with individual golds in the all-around, vault and floor exercise.

4'9''- Yao Jinnan

Jinnan, who weighs just 77 pounds, won gold at the 2014 World Championships on the uneven bars. She has not been a factor in recent years due to a shoulder surgery that kept her out for an entire year.

4'10''- Yilin Fan

Fan took home gold in the uneven bars at the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow. Her performance at the 2016 Olympics was disappointing by a world champion's standards—her best individual finish was sixth, in the balance beam—but she took home the team bronze with China.

4’11”- Gabby Douglas

If the 2016 games belonged to Biles, London 2012 belonged to Douglas. The Virginia native took home gold in the team and all-around competition…at age 16. Her performance earned her the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award in 2012, becoming only the fourth gymnast to receive that honor. Douglas’ effervescent personality endeared her to millions of Americans and resulted in a Lifetime biopic and the creation of her own reality TV show.

5’0”- Laurie Hernandez

Another member of the Final Five, Hernandez won team gold and took home the silver on the balance beam in Rio. Hernandez is also a terrific dancer, which really isn’t a surprise given the balance and grace required to be a world-class gymnast—she won Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars. Hernandez also wrote an autobiography called “I Got This- To Gold and Beyond” which became a New York Times best-seller. Not bad for a 17-year-old.

5'1''- Ashton Locklear

Locklear was an alternate for the Final Five at the 2016 Olympics; she failed to make the team after an untimely fall on the beam during trials. Her specialty is the uneven bars, an event in which she won the U.S. national championship in both 2014 and '16. She'll represent the U.S. at this year's World Championships (the Final Five aren't all participating), which begin in early October.

5’2”- Victor Espinoza

American Pharoah deserves big-time credit for the assist here, as the horse’s accomplishments are the main reason the jockey is on this list. Espinoza rode American Pharaoh to Triple Crown glory in 2015, but he was already one of the more accomplished jockeys in history by that point. All in all, Espinoza has won the Kentucky Derby three times, the Preakness three times and one glorious Belmont Victory that sealed the first Triple Crown since 1978. Honorable Mention: Aly Raisman, Meghan Klingenberg

5'3''- Aliya Mustafina

Perhaps overshadowed at the Olympic stage by her American counterparts, Mustafina has still put together a historic career that deserves ample recognition. The Russian is a seven-time Olympic medalist, including back-to-back golds in the uneven bars. She's one of nine gymnasts to medal in every event at the World Championships, and in 2016 she became the first female gymnast since 2000 to medal in the all-around in consecutive Olympics.

5’4”- Marta

Marta was the undisputed best female soccer player in the world between 2006-2010. She won a record five consecutive FIFA World Player of the Year Awards (no male or female has won as many, although Cristiano Ronaldo is favored to win his fifth this year). In 2007, she led Brazil to the World Cup Final and was named the tournament’s top player. Marta, 31, was one of eight Brazilian athletes to carry the Olympic Flag at the 2016 games in Rio, and she currently plays for the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League.

5’5”- Almaz Ayana

Ayana might not be a household name in the United States, but the Ethiopian is the best female long-distance runner in the world right now, and it’s not particularly close. At this year’s world championships, Ayana won the 10,000 meters race by a comical 43 seconds, almost lapping her closest competitor. On the biggest of stages at the 2016 Olympics, Ayana set a new world record en route to winning gold in the 10k. Still just 25 years old, Ayana will be a force to be reckoned with in the distance-running game for years to come. Honorable Mention: Lydia Ko

5’6”- Jose Altuve

The Astros star is the best second baseman in the majors and has a strong case for being the best player in the league. A five-time all-star, Altuve finished third in the AL MVP voting in 2016 and is the favorite to win that honor and a silver slugger this season. He’s on pace to win his second consecutive and third overall batting title, leads the majors in overall WAR, is fourth in steals and plays terrific defense. Altuve certainly takes advantage of the small strike zone his body gifts him. Honorable Mention: Megan Rapinoe, Lieke Martens, So Yeon Ryu, N’Golo Kante, Allyson Felix

5’7”- Lionel Messi

Arguably the greatest soccer player to ever grace the Earth, this one was a no-brainer. Messi came to Barcelona’s La Masia academy at 13 as an undersized child needing money for growth hormone treatment, but he made his first-team debut just three years later. By 19, he was the consensus best player in the world, and it wouldn’t be long before he entered the best-ever conversation. Messi is the only player to win five Ballon D’Ors, is Argentina and La Liga’s all-time leading scorer and has won every trophy possible with Barcelona. At 30, Messi’s best might be behind him, but bet against the little maestro at your own will. Honorable Mention: Carli Lloyd, Alexis Sanchez, Alex Morgan, Dennis Kipruto Kimetto

5’8”- Eden Hazard

Hazard announced himself on the world soccer stage at age 20, when he was named Ligue 1’s top player after leading Lille to the league title. A high-profile move to Chelsea came just a year later, and Hazard has been a mainstay in the Blues’ lineup since his arrival. A creative attacking left midfielder who specializes in incisive passes, the Belgian is a threat to rip apart a defense whenever he touches the ball. He’s been regarded as one of the finest players in the world for half a decade. Honorable Mention: Sergio Aguero, Angelique Kerber

5’9”- Serena Williams

For as relatively weak as 5’8’’ was, 5’9’’ is absolutely loaded, but Serena takes the prize. The new mother has won an astonishing 39 total majors—23 in singles, 14 in doubles and two in mixed doubles—including at least two victories in both singles and doubles in each of the four majors. When you add her four gold medals (three in doubles, one in singles), it’s difficult to argue that Williams isn’t the most accomplished women’s tennis player in history. She’s been on leave to have her first child and she’s 35, but the odds favor her breaking Margaret Court’s record of 24 individual majors. Honorable Mention: Neymar, Mo Farah, Rory McIlroy, Mookie Betts, Isaiah Thomas

5’10”- Antonio Brown

Over the last four years, Brown’s production has been remarkable. During that span, he has emerged as the league’s premier wide receiver, averaging 120 catches, 1,579 yards and 11 touchdowns per season. The 29-year-old just continues to put up monster numbers week-in and week-out; he's hit the ground running once again this season, with 16 catches and 244 yards in two games. If he can keep up anything resembling the production he’s managed the past four seasons, he’s headed for the Hall of Fame. Honorable Mention: Patrick Kane, Julian Edelman, Kylian Mbappe

5’11”- Sidney Crosby

Crosby’s career path is not dissimilar from that of LeBron James. Both came into their respective leagues as teenagers with an incredible amount of hype; Crosby was crowned “The Next One” while LeBron was deemed “The Chosen One.” And just like James, Crosby has somehow managed to meet expectations, if not surpass them entirely. Crosby has won three Stanley Cups, two MVP awards, led the league in goals twice and total points twice and won two Olympic golds with Team Canada. This upcoming season will be Crosby’s 13th in the league, but he’s still just 30 years old, so there’s time for The Kid to pad his already Hall of Fame-worthy resume. Honorable mention: Odell Beckham Jr., Russell Wilson

6’0”- Katie Ledecky

Ledecky is a world-record factory—she currently holds the fastest-ever times in the women’s 400-, 8000- and 1600-meter freestyle. While she burst onto the scene at the 2016 games in Rio with a four-gold and one-silver performance, Ledecky has been a dominant force in world swimming for much longer than that, as she won a gold at the 2012 games at 15 and took home four golds at the 2016 World Championships. And instead of turning pro after her Olympic triumphs, Ledecky led Stanford to the 2016-17 national title. She’s about as dominant as it gets. Honorable Mention: Chris Paul, Drew Brees, Ezekiel Elliott, Luis Suarez, Maya Moore, Gabrine Muguruza, Wayde van Niekerk

6’1”- Roger Federer

Choosing Federer over Ronaldo and Nadal was, without question, the most difficult decision of this list, and the greatness of 6’1’’ doesn’t stop after those three. Connor McDavid is the reigning NHL MVP, and Jordan Spieth has four majors at 24, yet neither were realistic choices. That’s because Federer, Ronaldo and Nadal have been on top of the world for years, and remain so—Federer has bounced back to win two majors at 35 this season, Nadal won two of his own and is back to No. 1 in the world, while Ronaldo is about to win his second-consecutive Ballon D’Or. In the end, Federer’s overall body of work edges the two Iberian Peninsula natives. Fed’s 19 majors are three more than Nadal’s, and the grace with which he plays and carries himself has made him one of the most-liked/least-disliked athletes on the planet. Federer is now 36, well past the age most tennis players call it quits, so enjoy his jaw-dropping brilliance while you still can. Honorable Mention: Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Jordan Spieth, Connor McDavid, Le’Veon Bell, David Johnson, Venus Williams, Ashton Eaton.

6’2”- Mike Trout

Trout’s lowkey demeanor has resulted in his being criminally underappreciated, but make no mistake: Trout is on pace to be one of the best baseball players to ever live. He’s finished in the top two in AL MVP voting—winning the title twice—and has won the silver slugger in each of his first five seasons. And despite missing significant time with a thumb injury, he’s done all he can to sneak back into this year’s MVP conversation. Trout’s been considered the best baseball player in the world for so long that it’s difficult to fathom that he only just turned 26 years old. Honorable Mention: Jonathan Toews, Aaron Rodgers, Nneka Ogwumike, Kyrie Irving, Novak Djokovic

6’3”- Russell Westbrook

When you’re choosing between the best two point guards in the game—Westbrook and Curry—there is no correct answer, but Westbrook took home this year’s MVP award and thus has the slight edge. Last season was historic for The Brodie, as he became the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1961-62 to average a triple-double. Paul George’s arrival in Oklahoma City will probably cut into Westbrook’s scoring production, but Westbrook and PG13 should form one of the NBA’s most potent duos. Honorable Mention: Alex Ovechkin, Steph Curry, Max Scherzer, Von Miller, Julio Jones, Andy Murray, Tina Charles

6’4”- Tom Brady

Similar to the Federer/Ronaldo and Westbrook/Curry choice, selecting anyone over Clayton Kershaw is incredibly difficult. But if there’s one person who feels worthy, it’s Brady. The Patriots quarterback cemented his place as the greatest of all time with an incredible comeback from 28-3 down to beat the Falcons in this year’s Super Bowl. While Brady trails Peyton Manning in most statistical categories, Brady’s legacy as the best clutch quarterback in NFL history gives him the edge in the GOAT quarterback debate. Honorable Mention: Clayton Kershaw, Breanna Stewart, Dustin Johnson, Manuel Neuer, Candace Parker, Kieran Read

6’5”- J.J. Watt

Watt played just three games in 2016 as he dealt with a back injury, but before that he enjoyed one of the most dominant four-year stretches for a defender in NFL history. Over that period, he managed 69 sacks and 15 sacks, and in 2014—a year he finished second in MVP voting—he scored three offensive touchdowns and returned one interception and one fumble for a score. He demands a double team on every possession, and look for Watt to bounce back with an All-Pro level 2017. Watt just raised more than $37 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey, which isn’t related to his on-field greatness but still feels worth mentioning whenever Watt is the topic of conversation. Honorable Mention: James Harden, Elena Delle Donne, Kris Bryant, Cam Newton

6’6”- Chris Sale

It’s difficult to ignore Giancarlo Stanton and his 55 home runs, particularly given the ridiculous second half he’s had. But Sale is also the best pitcher in the American League and his strikeout numbers are nothing short of historic. The lengthy 28-year-old lefty—who can dial it up to 100 miles per hour—just became the first pitcher in 19 years to reach 300 strikeouts in a season. Sale is also the fastest pitcher ever to reach 1,500 career strikeouts, and he leads the majors in strikeouts per nine innings, total strikeouts, innings pitched, as well as leading AL starters in ERA. He’s been everything the Red Sox could have hoped for and more. Honorable Mention: Giancarlo Stanton, Rob Gronkowski

6’7”- Kawhi Leonard

As you might expect, basketball players have a stranglehold on the list starting now. Leonard is the prime example of why you can’t judge a player after his first year. Leonard averaged just 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists during his rookie campaign, but his progression since has been equal parts steady and incredible. Leonard truly arrived in the Spurs’ dismantling of the Heat in the 2014 NBA finals, when his performance earned him Finals MVP honors. The best two-way player in the league, the 26-year-old has emerged as the Spurs’ post-Duncan cornerstone and finished third in last season’s MVP voting. Honorable Mention: Aaron Judge, Draymond Green, Andrew Miller

6’8”- LeBron James

James’s true size is constantly a subject of controversy. Is he 6’8’’? 6’9’’? Is he 240 pounds or 270? The truth is, LeBron was going to make this list no matter what. James entered the league as the most hyped prospect in history—a certain magazine called him the “Chosen One” as a high school junior—but he has somehow managed to surpass expectations. James has been to seven consecutive Finals, has four MVPS, three rings, three Finals MVPS, 11 first-team All-NBAs, five first-team All-Defenses…just to name a few of his accolades. At 32, James hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down—last season was arguably his finest statistically, as he posted career-high averages in assists and rebounds.

6’9”- Kevin Durant

He’s definitely not the most popular player on this list, and there’s some pretty convincing photo evidence that he’s closer to 7’ than 6’9’’. Still, Durant’s stunning performance in this year’s Finals reminded us of his unique genius on a basketball court. Never in the history of the game has someone his size been able to handle the ball and create his own shot like Durant does. The 28-year-old makes scoring a basketball look frighteningly easy, and his underrated playmaking has made him an ideal fit for the Warriors. Something tells me Durant has a few more titles in his future. Honorable Mention: Paul George

6’10”- Kevin Love

Love gets the slight edge over Griffin here because he’s been the healthier player over the past few seasons. Love’s statistical production has declined somewhat steeply since he was traded to the Cavs, but that was to be expected. Still, the 28-year-old is a double-double machine and possesses the best outlet pass in the league. Love showed he’s still got plenty in the tank during this past year’s playoffs, when he averaged 16.8 points and 10.6 rebounds and shot 45% from three. It will be interesting to see how love fits in with the new-look Cavs. Honorable Mention: Blake Griffin

6’11”- Anthony Davis

The 24-year-old is a freak of nature physically, and if there were a draft today for teams to select a player to build around going forward, he could well be the top pick. Davis continues to improve offensively—he averaged a career-high 28.0 points per contest last year—and is one of, if not the, best post defender in the game. He has a smooth jumper, moves like a guard and possesses a silky touch around the rim. That 7’6’’ wingspan doesn’t hurt, either. Honorable Mention: Giannis Antetokounmpo, DeMarcus Cousins, De’Andre Jordan

7'0"- Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns could have multiple league MVP’s in his future—that’s how talented this big man is. Last season, Towns put up 25.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 54% shooting and a 37% clip from three. At age 21. The sky is the limit for him, particularly on the offensive end. Like Davis, he can do a bit of everything, but Towns’ skill with his back to the basket might give him the edge over his fellow Kentucky Wildcat. With these two promising to dominate for years to come, we could be in store for a big man renaissance. Honorable Mention: Andre Drummond, Hassan Whiteside, Dirk Nowitzki

7’1’’- Marc Gasol

He might not even be the best player in his own family, but when you’re 7’1’’, you don’t have to beat out too many players for the distinction of best at your height. Still, the guy is far from a slouch—he’s a three-time All Star and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. Gasol is aging quite well, also, as he posted career-highs in points and assists per game last season. If his brother Pau is any indication, Marc has more than a few years left of All-Star level production.

7'2''- Alexis Ajinca

If Ajinca's stats don't blow you away—he averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds as a backup center for the Pelicans—his sheer mass should do the trick. The 29-year-old Frenchman, who has an 8'0'' wingspan, is listed at 250 pounds, but the smart money is on the over.

7’3’’- Kristaps Porzingis

The Unicorn caps off our list of best athlete at every inch at a staggering 7’3’’. Porzingis’ quality has been obscured by the dumpster fire known as the New York Knicks, but he has a unique skill set and has not scratched the surface of his potential yet. Phil Jackson went out on a limb and took Porzingis fourth overall in the 2015 draft, a pick that was booed mercilessly by Knick fans. Jackson certainly did more wrong than right as Knicks president, but his selection of Porzingis is the gift that keeps on giving.

Published Sep 22, 2017

SI STAFF