The question of “How Tall Is The Tallest Person In The World” often sparks immense curiosity. Throughout history, there have been individuals whose extraordinary height has captivated the world, pushing the boundaries of human stature. Among these towering figures, one name stands unchallenged: Robert Pershing Wadlow. Born in 1918, Wadlow reached an astounding height that cemented his place in history as the tallest human being ever recorded.
Robert Wadlow: The Undisputed Tallest Man in History
Robert Wadlow, born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, wasn’t just tall; he was a giant, officially reaching a height of 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 meters). This incredible measurement, verified on June 27, 1940, just weeks before his untimely death, remains the Guinness World Record for the tallest person ever. To put his height into perspective, he was taller than two average-sized men stacked on top of each other! His weight peaked at a remarkable 439 pounds (199 kilograms). Beyond his overall size, Wadlow also held records for the world’s largest hands, measuring an incredible 12.75 inches (32.4 centimeters) from wrist to the tip of the middle finger, and the world’s largest feet, at size 37AA, or 18.5 inches (47 centimeters) long. His ring size was a massive 25, and his shoes had to be custom-made to accommodate his enormous feet.
Wadlow’s extraordinary growth wasn’t a mystery. Born a normal size, it became clear within months that he was growing at an exceptional rate. In 1929, doctors discovered that he had hypertrophy of his pituitary gland. This small gland at the base of the brain is responsible for producing human growth hormone (HGH). In Wadlow’s case, the enlarged gland produced excessive HGH, leading to gigantism and acromegaly, conditions that fueled his continuous growth throughout his life. Even at the time of his death at age 22, there was no indication that his growth had stopped.
Life Beyond Height: Robert Wadlow’s Story
Despite his extraordinary size, Robert Wadlow was known as a gentle giant. He navigated daily life with remarkable grace and participated in many activities. Growing up as the eldest of five children, he was a beloved big brother to his three sisters and one brother. He attended local schools, where special accommodations, like a custom-made desk, were created to ensure his comfort. As a Boy Scout in Troop 1 of Alton, he was the tallest scout, embracing adventure stories and reportedly reading around 300 books annually.
An anecdote from his childhood illustrates both his size and his good-natured personality. When his siblings set up a lemonade stand, Robert became a unique attraction. They cleverly charged customers not just for lemonade but for the spectacle of seeing Robert stand up, reportedly earning the equivalent of over $1,500 in today’s money in a single day – a testament to their ingenuity and Robert’s gentle willingness to engage.
After graduating from Alton High School in 1936, Wadlow enrolled in Shurtleff College intending to study law. However, his life took a different path when he began touring with the Ringling Brothers Circus. He appeared in prominent venues like Madison Square Garden, but always maintained his dignity, refusing to be part of sideshows. Later, he partnered with the International Shoe Company, traveling with his father across the country as a walking advertisement. This role provided him with income and, importantly, free custom-made shoes, which previously cost him a significant $100 per pair. Wadlow viewed his work with the shoe company as advertising, not as mere spectacle. He was also active in Freemasonry, becoming a Master Mason in 1939.
The Tragic End of a Gentle Giant
Tragically, Robert Wadlow’s extraordinary life was cut short at the young age of 22. While attending the Manistee National Forest Festival on July 4, 1940, an improperly fitted brace irritated his ankle. Due to his condition, he had limited sensation in his extremities and didn’t realize the sore had become infected. The infection worsened, leading to a high fever. Despite medical intervention, including surgery and a blood transfusion, Robert Wadlow passed away in his sleep on July 15, 1940.
His funeral and burial were significant events, reflecting his extraordinary life. His redwood coffin, measuring 10 feet 9 inches long and weighing 1,000 pounds, required twelve pallbearers and eight assistants to carry. Robert Wadlow was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery in Alton, Illinois. His legacy lives on in his hometown, where a life-sized bronze statue stands as a permanent reminder of the “Alton Giant,” ensuring that the world remembers the answer to “how tall is the tallest person in the world.”
Comparing Giants: Wadlow vs. Tallest Living Man
While Robert Wadlow remains the tallest person in history, the title of “tallest living man” currently belongs to Sultan Kösen of Turkey. Kösen, born in 1982, stands at an impressive 8 feet 2.82 inches (251 centimeters), as confirmed by Guinness World Records. While Kösen’s height is remarkable and makes him the tallest living person, he is still significantly shorter than Robert Wadlow, highlighting just how extraordinary Wadlow’s height truly was. The difference of over 8 inches between them underscores why Robert Wadlow’s record remains unchallenged and why he is consistently remembered when discussing “how tall is the tallest person in the world.”
In conclusion, Robert Pershing Wadlow’s astounding height of 8 feet 11 inches definitively answers the question of “how tall is the tallest person in the world.” His life, though tragically short, remains a fascinating and poignant story of a gentle giant who left an indelible mark on history.
