Rugby · New Zealand · 1994–2007
Jonah Lomu
Wing — rugby's first global superstar
120 kilograms moving at 100m-sprinter pace; defenders described tackling him as 'like tackling a bus.'
From nine measurements alone — no name, no photo — the AI ranked rugby #3 for this build.
BODY MEASUREMENTS
| Measurement | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 196 cm | All Blacks player profile |
| Weight | 120 kg | All Blacks player profile |
| Wingspan | 200 cm | Est.1 |
| Leg Length, Inseam | 93 cm | Est.2 |
| Torso Length | 66 cm | Est.3 |
| Shoulder Width | 50 cm | Est.4 |
| Hip Width | 39 cm | Est.5 |
| Hand Size | 21 cm | Est.6 |
| Foot Size | 29.8 cm | Est.7 |
- 1.02×height (male population ratio; no published arm span)
- 0.463×height (sprinter +2%)
- height − legLength − 0.19×height (head/neck)
- 0.257×height
- 0.206×height (sprinter −3%)
- 0.108×height (published NBA/NFL 'hand size' is span, not length, so the ratio is used)
- 0.152×height (no reliably published shoe size)
WHAT THE AI SAW
Build type
LONG-LIMBED
- •Tall, long-limbed frame with positive ape index (+4 cm)
- •Long legs relative to torso (93 cm vs. 66 cm) enhancing lever length and rotational potential
- •Pronounced V-taper (shoulder:hip ≈1.28) indicating strong power potential
- •Very large hands (21 cm) and feet (29.8 cm) for superior implement control and base stability
- •High mass suited to power and collision sports
THE AI'S SPORT RANKINGS
Discus throw
Height, long arms (positive ape index), wide shoulders, very large hands, and substantial mass are near-ideal for generating angular momentum, maintaining a long radius, and controlling the release. Big feet aid pivot stability in the ring. This anthropometry closely mirrors successful modern discus throwers.
Shot put (rotational)
Similar advantages to discus: tall stature, big mass, broad shoulders, and large hands favor explosive hip-shoulder separation and ball control in the rotational technique. Long limbs provide lever length for accelerating the shot, provided adequate maximal strength is developed.
Rugby union – Lock or No. 8
At 196 cm and 120 kg with a +4 cm reach, broad shoulders, and large hands, the profile suits lineout work, mauls, carries, and defensive collisions. Long reach aids steals/deflections; mass and shoulder width increase scrummaging and ruck presence.
Strongman
Height, wingspan, shoulder width, and very large hands are strong assets for stones, frames, axles, and overhead events. Current mass is a solid base; additional hypertrophy would further enhance competitiveness. Long arms especially assist deadlift-type events.
Rowing – Open weight (sweep or sculling)
Height, long legs, and positive ape index create a long effective stroke and excellent leverage. Body mass is on the high side for singles but well-suited to eights; trimming nonfunctional mass would further improve boat speed.
BIOMECHANICAL READ
- 1Exceptional rotational lever lengths (height, wingspan, long legs) ideal for discus/shot mechanics and long rowing strokes.
- 2Broad shoulders and narrow hips promote torque production and stability during high-force turns (throws) and contact (rugby).
- 3Large hands materially improve grip and fine control of implements (discus rim, shot placement, stones/axles in strongman) and ball retention under contact.
- 4High absolute mass supports momentum and force production; advantageous in throws, strongman, and forward roles in rugby.
- 5Reach advantage aids lineout catching (rugby), hand-fighting (strongman), and striking range (combat).
LESS ADVANTAGEOUS IN
- •Endurance running (5K to marathon) due to high mass and surface area cost.
- •Climbing/bouldering where strength-to-weight and compact frames dominate.
- •Artistic gymnastics (rings, pommel, high bar) where tall, long-lever bodies are disadvantaged.
- •Olympic weightlifting (relative to shorter-limbed superheavy specialists) due to longer bar paths and lever disadvantages.
- •Road cycling (especially climbing) where power-to-weight is paramount.
- •Lightweight or lower-weight-class combat sports (impractical to make weight).
METHODOLOGY
The AI analysis above was generated from the nine measurements listed — nothing else. The model never saw Jonah Lomu's name, photo, or sport; it received the same anonymous input as any visitor who uses the tool. The verdict compares its blind rankings with reality.
Measurements marked Est. are not publicly documented and were estimated from published data using the noted anthropometric ratios.
This page is editorial commentary. My Best Sport is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jonah Lomu.
MORE ATHLETES
WHAT ARE YOU BUILT FOR?
Enter your own measurements and get the same AI analysis Jonah Lomu got.
ANALYZE MY BUILD →