Robert Wadlow was the tallest recorded person in history. He was born on February 22nd, 1918, and was known as the Alton Giant. He died at the age of 22 with an astonishing height of 8 ft 11.1 in.
His great height was an effect of a condition that caused a great amount of the Growth hormone to be produced. He faced problems since the start due to his size. In school, there was a desk specially designed for him and in sync, with his height, he required bigger shoes than normal.
Throughout his life, Wadlow made use of leg braces to walk. He did not have the best control over his legs yet he refused to use a wheelchair.
It was his tour alongside the Ringling Brothers Circus which led to his fame and made him a celebrity. No matter what he did, Wadlow did not portray himself as a freak and appeared in his regular clothes in the circus ring and every other public appearance.
He even worked with the International Shoe Company. The company launched a promotional tour with Wadlow while providing him free shoes. Although he went to school to study law, he shifted toward advertising and showmanship.
In 1940 while attending the Manistee National Festival Wadlow suffered an infection. A faulty leg brace irritated his ankle and caused a blood infection. He was treated through surgery and blood transfusions but to no avail. An autoimmune disorder made his recovery even more difficult a d his condition simply got worst. In the last days of his life, Wadlow lost most of his prior physical strength but there was still no indication that he had stopped growing. On July 15th he died in his sleep.
His coffin was carried by twelve pallbearers and eight assistants. It was 10 ft long and more than double his weight.
Robert Wadlow was the tallest recorded person in history. He was born on February 22nd, 1918, and was known as the Alton Giant. He died at the age of 22 with an astonishing height of 8 ft 11.1 in.
His great height was an effect of a condition that caused a great amount of the Growth hormone to be produced. He faced problems since the start due to his size. In school, there was a desk specially designed for him and in sync, with his height, he required bigger shoes than normal.
Throughout his life, Wadlow made use of leg braces to walk. He did not have the best control over his legs yet he refused to use a wheelchair.
It was his tour alongside the Ringling Brothers Circus which led to his fame and made him a celebrity. No matter what he did, Wadlow did not portray himself as a freak and appeared in his regular clothes in the circus ring and every other public appearance.
He even worked with the International Shoe Company. The company launched a promotional tour with Wadlow while providing him free shoes. Although he went to school to study law, he shifted toward advertising and showmanship.
In 1940 while attending the Manistee National Festival Wadlow suffered an infection. A faulty leg brace irritated his ankle and caused a blood infection. He was treated through surgery and blood transfusions but to no avail. An autoimmune disorder made his recovery even more difficult a d his condition simply got worst. In the last days of his life, Wadlow lost most of his prior physical strength but there was still no indication that he had stopped growing. On July 15th he died in his sleep.
His coffin was carried by twelve pallbearers and eight assistants. It was 10 ft long and more than double his weight.