Robert Wadlow
Robert Pershing Wadlow was an American man recognized as the tallest person in recorded history for whom there is irrefutable evidence.
Robert Pershing Wadlow was an American man recognized as the tallest person in recorded history for whom there is irrefutable evidence. He reached a measured height of 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in) and remained the tallest man ever recorded in Guinness World Records. He is also known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois.
Early life
Robert Wadlow was born in Alton, Illinois, on February 22, 1918. He grew up in the same area and became known locally and nationally for his unusual size.
Height record
Wadlow’s final measured height was 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in), making him the tallest verified human in recorded history. He surpassed John Rogan as the tallest person ever recorded.
Medical background
His extreme growth was caused by hypertrophy of the pituitary gland, leading to abnormally high levels of human growth hormone. This condition is commonly associated with gigantism.
Legacy
Wadlow remains one of the best-known figures in record-keeping history and continues to hold the Guinness title for tallest man ever. His case is often cited in discussions of human height extremes and medical gigantism.
Key facts
- Robert Wadlow is the tallest verified human in recorded history, with a height of 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in).
- He was born in Alton, Illinois, and died at age 22 in 1940.
- His extraordinary growth was caused by pituitary gland hypertrophy leading to excess growth hormone.
- Guinness World Records has recognized him as the tallest man ever since early editions of the record book.
- He is commonly referred to as the Alton Giant or the Giant of Illinois.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Robert Wadlow?
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_WadlowSupports: Birth and death dates, birthplace, height, nickname, and medical explanation for his extreme growth.
- Guinness World Records — https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/tallest-man-everSupports: Recognition of Robert Wadlow as the tallest man ever and his measured height.
- Guinness World Records — https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/hall-of-fame/robert-wadlow-tallest-man-everSupports: Historical context for the tallest-man record and Wadlow's status in Guinness World Records.
- Guinness World Records — https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2023/7/tallest-man-ever-robert-wadlows-height-in-every-year-of-his-life-755824Supports: Year-by-year growth context, peak height, and his overtaking of John Rogan.