Robert Wadlow, the tallest man ever

The tallest verified man in history was Robert Pershing Wadlow, who stood at 2.72 metres. At the time of his premature death (aged 22), he was still growing. Let’s discover the life of this giant among giants through this article.

Robert Wadlow & friends

Robert’s Childhood

Robert was born on 22 February 1918 in Alton, Illinois, USA. At birth, he measured 51 cm and weighed 3.8 kg. Although his size was normal at birth, he began to grow abnormally very quickly. By six months, his parents were already concerned about his unusual growth – baby Robert measured 88 cm and weighed 13 kg. Things only accelerated from there: by 18 months, he was 1.30 m tall and weighed 28 kg. At nursery school, aged 5, he was already 1.64 m. At 13, he measured 2.18 m and became the tallest scout in the world. By 19, he reached 2.58 m and was officially recognised as the tallest man in the world. Shortly before his death at 22, Robert Wadlow was measured at 2.72 m.

Robert Wadlow at 6. And his father

Why Was Robert Wadlow So Tall?

The tallest (verified) man of all time suffered, like André the Giant, from a pituitary gland disorder. This disorder caused his pituitary gland to release excessive hormones, particularly growth hormone. The condition also causes enlargement of the hands, feet and face. Known as gigantism, this disorder is now well treated in developed countries. Hormone secretion can be inhibited with appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, that was not the case in Robert’s time.

What Was His Daily Life Like?

Being over 2.5 metres tall in the 1930s was much more challenging than today. He needed three beds to sleep. A special table was installed at home so he could eat without bending over. Likewise, at school he had a custom desk. At university, he even had a specially made armchair. At 18, his clothes required three times the usual amount of fabric. Robert also wore size 72 shoes. It cost a fortune to have shoes made to fit him. Fortunately, he found a manufacturer who agreed to make them in exchange for a promotional tour. This tour across the United States required a specially adapted car to accommodate him comfortably. Even after death, adjustments were necessary. His coffin measured 3.28 m and required around twenty people to carry it. 40,000 people attended his funeral.

Robert Wadlow at the (big) table

How Did He Die?

Due to his height, Robert needed a cane to walk and wore a leg brace to correct issues. This brace was poorly adjusted and caused a wound. The wound was initially poorly treated and became infected. The infection worsened and could not be stopped. At only 22 years old, the giant passed away in his sleep. Who knows how tall he could have become? At the time of his death, his hands measured 32.4 cm and his feet 47 cm.

Robert Wadlow’s burial

The Best Anecdotes About Robert Wadlow

At 9 years old, he could carry his father on his back.
He ate 3 to 4 times more than a typical person.
At 6 years old, he was taller than his teacher, Miss Manley.
Robert worked for a while in a circus (Bailey Circus).
In a car, he would remove the front seat and sit in the back.
He felt small for the first time when standing next to the giant sequoias in California. He liked the feeling.
He was annoyed by people knocking on his shins to see if he was on stilts.
After his death, Robert’s mother burned some of his belongings to prevent them from being used for profit.