Featured Image Credit: Getty Images / Bettmann
Topics: Health, US News, World News
Anish Vij
The tallest ever person in documented history sadly didn't live for very long.
Robert Pershing Wadlow was known as the 'Alton Giant' having been born in Alton, Illinois in 1918.
Aged 22 at the time of his death in 1940, he was measured at 8 feet 11.1 inches (2.72 meters).
When he was five, Wadlow was already 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall, surpassing his father's height of 5 feet 11.5 inches (1.82 meters) three years later.
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At 13, he had to wear size 25 shoes.
Around that time, however, Wadlow was diagnosed with hyperplasia of the pituitary gland, an overproduction of human growth hormones in the body.
"The doctor says I won't get home for the... celebration," were his last words, referring to a golden anniversary party being held for his grandparents.
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After graduating from Alton High School, Wadlow enrolled in Shurtleff College with the hopes of studying law. But as his unique height racked up a lot of public attention, the Ringling Brothers and their travelling circus asked him if he would tour with them. So in 1936, Wadlow agreed and became a hometown hero.
Two years later, he went on a promotional tour with the International Shoe Company and visited 800 towns in 41 states.
During that time, the 'gentle giant' showcased the business' products and shared his story with nationwide audiences.
Due to all the travelling though, Wadlow started to experience reduced sensations in his legs and feet, and was forced to wear leg braces to assist with mobility.
And because of a poorly fitted brace, it caused a blister on his right ankle which tragically lead to a severe infection.
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His condition deteriorated day by day, and Wadlow died in his sleep on July 15, 1940, at the age of 22.
At the time of writing, Sultan Kösen from Turkey, who measures in at 8 feet 2.8 inches (251 cm), is the tallest man in the world.
Similar to Wadlow, his height is caused from a condition affecting the pituitary gland, leading to excessive growth hormone production.
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Speaking to the Guinness World Records, he once said the biggest disadvantages of being so tall are trying to find clothes and shoes that fit him or to get a car that he can actually drive.
The 42-year-old also said that it can be tricky when it comes to dating.
Kosen previously shared: “It's really difficult to find a girlfriend. They are usually scared of me.
“Hopefully now that I'm famous I'll be able to meet lots of girls. My dream is to be married.”
Kosen married 5 feet 9 inches Merve Dibo in 2013, but in 2021, the pair went their separate ways.