Robert Wadlow was a giant with a big heart and a full life. Born on 22 February, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, as a newborn he weighed a very ordinary 8lb 6oz. But from the age of 6 months onwards, Robert Wadlow was anything but ordinary.
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A rare disease
Wadlow suffered from hypertrophy of the pituitary gland, which controls growth. This meant that he would never stop growing. From then on, his life would be filled with media events: the inauguration of the Queen Mary, a visit from the New York Daily News. In 1937, at the age of 19, he was officially recognised as the tallest man in the world. At this point, he measured 8 ft 6 in.
A tragic destiny
Wadlow continued to grow and was forced to use a cane and orthopedics to walk. He reached 8 ft 11 in and his growth showed no sign of slowing down. In the end though, it wasn't his height which cost him his life at the young age of 22, but one of his orthopedics. He caught septicemia from a cut on his ankle and was admitted to hospital. Sadly, nothing could be done, and the 'gentle giant' passed away on the 15 July 1940.
