Margo Dydek was a Polish professional basketball player who made a name for herself as the tallest professional female basketball player in the world, standing at an impressive 7 feet 2 inches tall. Born on April 28, 1974 in Warsaw, Poland, Dydek had basketball in her blood from an early age.
Dydek's journey to basketball stardom began in her home country of Poland, where she honed her skills and stood out for her height. In May 1998, she caught the attention of scouts from the United States during the WNBA pre-draft camp, and was drafted 1st overall by the Utah Starzz in the 1998 WNBA draft.
Throughout her career, Dydek played the center position for multiple teams in the WNBA, showcasing her exceptional height and skills on the court. She became known for her dominating presence in the paint and her ability to block shots with ease, earning her a reputation as one of the most formidable defenders in the league.
Off the court, Dydek was known for her humility and kindness, as well as her dedication to her family. She had two sisters who also played basketball, with her younger sister Marta following in her footsteps and playing professionally in Spain in the 2000s.
In 2008, Dydek married David Twigg and the couple had two sons, Alexander and David Twigg. Tragically, Dydek passed away in 2011 while she was pregnant with her third child, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for years to come.
Throughout her career, Dydek received numerous accolades and awards for her contributions to the sport of basketball. In 1999, she was awarded the Polish Gold Cross of Merit in recognition of her achievements on the court and her impact on the game.
In 2019, Dydek was posthumously inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as one of the all-time greats in women's basketball. Her legacy lives on through the impact she made on the game and the inspiration she provided to aspiring athletes around the world.
Despite her untimely passing, Margo Dydek will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of women's basketball, a towering figure both on and off the court who left an indelible mark on the sport she loved.
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