Does height play a big role in the world of sports? Well, for sports like tennis, it’s true that height can give the players an added advantage, but is it the only factor to determine success? Definitely not! Several other factors, like technicality, strategy, and mental strength, also play a key role in the game. We have seen several short-heightened players doing wonders in the sporting world! A prime example of such is Simone Biles (4 ft 8 inches). Biles was recently spotted in the stands at the US Open. She also gave an interview recently, where she stated, “Tennis players are taller...” Players like Coco Gauff may find these words a bit soothing now.

Just a few months ago, during the Paris Olympics, we heard Coco Gauff jokingly express her concerns regarding the notable height difference between herself and LeBron James. Both of them were the flag bearers of Team USA during the opening ceremony. James is 6ft 9 inches, whereas Gauff is just 5ft 9 inches! Speaking on this massive disparity, the tennis star stated, “I am a little bit concerned about the height difference. I thought it was two flags but I saw pictures (of previous Olympics) and they’re holding it together.”

Gauff became the youngest flag-bearer in the history of American sports at the Olympics. However, she failed to bring home a medal for her nation. On the other hand, another superstar of American sports, Simone Biles (gymnast) won three gold medals and one silver medal. After her emphatic campaign in Pairs, she’s now spending her free time watching tennis in NY. During her recent visit to USTA BJK National Tennis Center, she gave an interview and during the interview, she was asked to name a tennis player who’d make the best gymnast. In reply, she said, “I feel like there’s so many. Honestly, tennis players are taller than I thought. But maybe Coco.”

She was further asked to name a player with whom she’d like to play a double match. Biles didn’t waste any time on this question though. She simply stated, “Definitely, Serena Williams. I mean she is the GOAT in tennis, so that would be my partner if I had to choose.“

In Paris, Coco Gauff got the chance to meet Simone Biles. Over there, during her stay at the Olympic Village, the youngster met some of the renowned faces in the sports world. Here’s what she said about those incredible memories she had at the Paris Olympics.

“It means a lot” – Coco Gauff expressing her excitement after meeting superstars like Simone Biles in Paris

Coco Gauff couldn’t have asked for a better outing in Paris! However, things could have looked much brighter if she had somehow managed to bag some medals on that biggest stage in the world of sports. Nevertheless, she did manage to meet some of the popular athletes during her stay at the Olympic Village. Who were the ones she was most excited to meet at the venue?

“Honestly, Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky were the coolest people I’ve met. I played cool though. I didn’t do any fan-girling. I just got a picture with Katie. I didn’t ask Simone for one because I didn’t want to be that person,” said the 20-year-old. Gauff further added, “It means a lot and to be next to so many incredible athletes in the same Village.“ From watching them on TV to representing the same team, for Coco Gauff, it surely would be a dream come true moment.

Talking about dreams, the Olympics, and whether height difference plays a big role in achieving success, no one can be a better example than the Italian tennis star, Jasmine Paolini. She won a gold medal at the doubles event in the Paris Olympics. Paolini is 5ft 4 inches! What are her thoughts on having such a big height difference with some of the top players?

She once said, “I wish I was taller because I could serve better. But I think I accept that I have to do with my own body. I mean, I’m short. Okay, we try to not make it a problem, we try to do something different to improve other aspect…I mean, I wish I was taller, but it’s okay, I’m not.“ Share your thoughts on whether you think height can really be a major blockade in bringing success to one’s career.