On February 22, 1918, a healthy boy named Robert Wadlow was born. Although, nobody could've anticipated that the seemingly normal baby boy will grow up to be the world's tallest man.
Wadlow's extraordinary growth was fueled by a hyperactive pituitary gland. This has led him to grow at an astounding rate soon after birth. By the age of 5, he had to wear clothes intended for a 17-year old, as he reached the height of 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in). Three years later, the soon-to-be tallest man in the world outgrew and outweighed his own father as he has towered at a height of 187cm (6 ft 2 in) and weighed 90kg (200 pounds).
There's no denying, that Wadlow was an extraordinary child, however his parents tried to make his life as normal as possible. It was not easy for such a unique person to participate in regular activities because some adjustments had to be made. When he became the world's tallest Boy Scout at the age of 13 years old, he had to wear a custom-made uniform and had a tent and a sleeping bag modified according to his height.
The giant broke the record for the world's tallest man ever when he reached 2.53 meters (8 ft 4 in) height at the age of 18. However, he suffered from weakness and lack of sensation in his legs and feet, and he required leg braces and a cane to walk. In 1940 ill-fitted brace rubbing against the tallest man's ankle caused a blister. It got badly infected and on July 15, 1940, Wadlow passed away at the age of 22. Prior to his death, the doctors had measured his height at 2.72 meters (8 ft 11.1 in). The last words of the giant were "The doctor says I won't get home for the celebrations". He was referring to his paternal grandparent's golden wedding.
Recently, breathtaking rare photos of this unique man have emerged. Watch the interesting photos and the unbelievable size comparisons below, and tell us what you think in the comments!
On February 22, 1918, a healthy boy named Robert Wadlow was born
Image credits: Getty images
Nobody could've anticipated that the seemingly normal baby boy will grow up to be the world's tallest man
Image credits: Getty images
Wadlow's extraordinary growth was fueled by a hyperactive pituitary gland
Image credits: Getty images
By the age of 5, he had to wear clothes intended for a 17-year old, as he reached the height of 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in)
Image credits: Getty images
Three years later he outgrew and outweighed his father as his height reached 187 cm (6 ft 2 in) and he weighted 90 kg (200 pounds)
Image credits: Getty images
At 13 years old he became the world's tallest Boy Scout, he had to wear a custom-made uniform and used a modified tent and a sleeping bag
Image credits: Getty images
Robert broke the record for world's tallest man when he reached the 2.53 m (8 ft 4 in) height at the age of 18
Image credits: Getty images
He suffered from weakness and lack of sensation in his legs and feet, and he required leg braces and a cane to walk
Image credits: Getty images
In 1940 ill-fitted brace rubbing against his ankle caused a blister
Image credits: Getty images
It got badly infected and on July 15, 1940, Wadlow passed away at the age of 22
Image credits: Getty images
Prior to his death, the doctors had measured his height at 2.72 meters (8 ft 11.1 in)
Image credits: Getty images