In the annals of history, one name stands tall—Robert Wadlow, the tallest person in the world. His remarkable life and towering presence continue to captivate our imaginations.
Whether you're rediscovering his story or hearing about it for the first time, join us to look back at the extraordinary life of the guy who soared to unparalleled heights and forever etched his presence in history.
Meet Robert Wadlow - The Tallest Man In The World
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According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Robert Wadlow is the world's tallest person. Robert, also known as the "Alton Giant" or the "Giant of Illinois," was born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, USA. He was described as a gentle and humorous guy.
His excessive height was due to an overactive pituitary gland, which led to an abnormally high production of growth hormone. His growth began to accelerate from a very young age.
The tallest man attended Alton High School and later enrolled at Shurtleff College but had to withdraw due to his inability to fit in the college desks.
How Tall Is The World's Tallest Man?
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At the age of 22, Robert stood at a staggering height of 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 m) that made him become the tallest person in recorded history. With his extraordinary height, it’s no wonder that his weight reached to 439 lb (199 kg).
Robert Wadlow’s Death: What Happened To Him?
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Sadly, Robert Wadlow's life was cut short on July 15, 1940 (aged 22), when he succumbed to an infected leg brace. In a 1937 JAMA article, doctor Charles Humberd, who studied Wadlow, wrote:
"He is a pre-acromegalic giant of phenomenal size, molded on a vast scale, colossal and stupendous in bulk, truly Gargantuan in all his proportions, and symmetrically built…”
As we mentioned above, Robert 's exceptional height was primarily due to an overactive pituitary gland, which led to an excess of growth hormone in his body.
Source: Google Images
This condition, known as gigantism, resulted in a variety of health issues, including joint problems, circulation difficulties, and weak leg muscles. To assist with his mobility, he wore leg braces, which unfortunately caused skin irritation and sores.
Despite efforts to treat the sore, it became infected. In those times, antibiotics were not as advanced as they are today, and the infection rapidly deteriorated his health.
Robert Wadlow's condition worsened, and he was admitted to a hospital in Manistee, Michigan. However, there was no magic and efforts to control the infection were unsuccessful. He passed away at a young age.
Conclusion
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