Robert Wadlow

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Robert Wadlow postcard

Robert Pershing Wadlow (February 22, 1918 – July 15, 1940) was an American man who is best known for being the tallest person in recorded history for whom there is irrefutable evidence. Wadlow reached 8 feet 11.1 inches (272 cm) in height and weighed 439 pounds (199 kg) at his death at the age of 22. His great size and his continued growth in adulthood were due to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, which results in an abnormally high level of human growth hormone (HGH). Even by the time of his death, there was no indication that his growth had ended.

Early Life

Robert Wadlow was born in Alton, Illinois, to Addie and Harold Wadlow, and was the oldest of five children. He was of normal size at birth, but his growth started to accelerate at the age of six months. By the time he was eight years old, he was taller than his father, who stood at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). Wadlow's extraordinary growth caused several health issues; despite these, he never used a wheelchair and remained mobile with the aid of leg braces and a cane.

Education and Public Appearances

Wadlow was an intelligent child with an interest in reading and photography. He graduated from Alton High School in 1936 and attended Shurtleff College for a short period. Due to his unique condition, Wadlow became a celebrity and went on tours with the Ringling Brothers Circus and appeared at other public events to promote the International Shoe Company, which provided him with custom shoes free of charge.

Health Issues and Death

Throughout his life, Wadlow suffered from numerous health problems related to his abnormal growth. His large size made him increasingly uncomfortable, and he required leg braces to walk. In July 1940, a faulty brace irritated his ankle, leading to infection. Despite treatment, his condition worsened, and he died in his sleep on July 15, 1940, in a hotel in Manistee, Michigan. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Alton, Illinois, in a coffin measuring 10 feet 9 inches (328 cm).

Legacy

Robert Wadlow is remembered for his gentle demeanor and for the challenges he overcame living with his extraordinary height. The Alton Museum of History and Art houses a life-size statue of Wadlow, and his life has been the subject of several documentaries and books. His story continues to fascinate people around the world as a remarkable example of human physical extremes.