Gonzalo González, a towering figure both on and off the court, left an indelible mark on the world of professional sports and entertainment. Born with a rare condition known as gigantism, González stood at an astonishing height, making him one of the tallest individuals to have ever lived.
As a center, González played professional basketball for Gimnasia La Plata and Sport Club, winning the 2nd level championship with the former. He also represented his country's national team from 1985 to 1988, showcasing his impressive skills on the court.
In 1988, González was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, but his basketball career was cut short due to a knee injury that rendered him unable to run properly. This setback led to an unexpected turn of events, as he was hired by Ted Turner, the owner of the Hawks, to join World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
González made his wrestling debut as "El Gigante" (The Giant),a moniker that stuck with him throughout his career. His success in the ring led to appearances in various television shows and films, cementing his status as a household name.
González's wrestling career took him to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF),where he was known as Giant Gonzales. He also competed in Japan, solidifying his reputation as a formidable opponent.
However, a back injury forced González to retire from wrestling in 1998. He returned to his hometown, where he struggled with the consequences of his gigantism, including diabetes and mobility issues.
In his later years, González was confined to a wheelchair, but he remained an iconic figure in the world of sports and entertainment. In 2001, he was honored at the LNB (Argentine Basketball League) All-Star Game for being the first Argentine basketball player to reach the NBA.
Sadly, González's life was cut short on September 22, 2010, when he passed away from complications related to diabetes in his hometown of San Martín, Argentina. He was just 44 years old.
Though his professional career was marked by setbacks and injuries, González will always be remembered by wrestling fans of the early 1990s as a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark on the world of sports and entertainment.
