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Shaquille O’Neal before the qualifying ahead of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on November 19, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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Shaquille O’Neal before the qualifying ahead of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on November 19, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
There is no debate that Shaquille O’Neal was one of, if not the most dominant NBA players ever. At 7’1″ and 320 lbs, Superman carved defenses open and literally was unstoppable on the low block. While his size played a part in his success, it also led to some nervy moments over the years. Notably, Shaq faced a near-death experience. However, he is not planning to let that stop him from completing his bucket list.
Most teams had to double or even triple-team the Big Diesel in a sub-par attempt to stop him. Furthermore, a lot of opponents even resorted to intentionally fouling Shaq as soon as he received the ball which led to the Hack-a-Shaq.
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Shaquille O’Neal’s bucket list might have some weight restricitons
O’Neal has won almost everything there is to win as a basketball player. After retiring, he set his sights on experiencing a variety of things. This included riding a horse. While this might not be a big deal for any normal-sized human being, Shaq’s size makes it a bit complicated. And it ended up in a near-death experience, Shaq revealed recently. Amidst this, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has recently talked about the things left on his bucket list. While discussing this, he talked about his scary scuba diving experience.
Furthermore, he also disclosed that his weight could make it impossible to sky-dive. However, he is still hopeful about another adventure on his bucket list, hiking Kilimanjaro, even though his weight could come in the way of this as well.

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SONOMA, CA – JUNE 11: Martin Truex, Jr (#19 Joe Gibbs Racing Bass Pro Shops Toyota) meets Shaquille O’Neal (aka DJ Diesel) after the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota / Save Mart 350 on June 11, 2023 at the Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, CA. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
According to a report from People, “I’ve thought about it, hiking up to that,” says O’Neal. “But I’ll probably have to get into tip, tip, tip, tip, tip-top shape to do that.”
The 2000 NBA MVP gained more weight after retiring from basketball. His past injuries kept him from training and didn’t help. However, O’Neal has made huge progress in recent years and has been consistently getting healthier.
After already losing some weight, there is no stopping him from hiking Kilimanjaro if he continues his fitness routine.
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A horse “tried to kill” Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq recently talked about his sour equestrian encounter during a podcast. When the host asked whether O’Neal had ever ridden a horse, he replied, “Yeah, he tried to kill me.”
The 15x NBA All-Star added that the horse was big, but he did not know it was a carriage horse. So when he tried to ride it, the horse pushed him down. Shaq claimed that the one who sold him the horse did not inform him that it was a carriage horse.
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Unfortunately, even though the horse was big, it was still not happy about O’Neal’s attempt. Maybe, Shaq’s weight played a part as well.
WATCH THIS STORY – With Over 172 Restaurants Across US, Why Did Shaquille O’Neal Start the ‘Big Chicken’?
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