# Robert Wadlow

> American who was the tallest recorded person in history

**Wikidata**: [Q192789](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192789)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Wadlow)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-wadlow

## Summary
Robert Wadlow was an American man who holds the record as the tallest person in recorded history. Born in 1918, he reached a height of 2.72 meters (8 feet 11 inches) due to a medical condition, becoming a notable figure in his lifetime.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Attended Shurtleff College (now part of Southern Illinois University)
- **Known for**: Being the tallest recorded person in history
- **Employer(s)**: Worked briefly as a circus performer
- **Field(s)**: Notable for his extraordinary height and public appearances

## Contributions
Robert Wadlow's primary contribution was his status as a medical and historical record holder. His height, measured at 2.72 meters (8 feet 11 inches), was documented and verified, making him a subject of medical study and public fascination. He also participated in public events and tours, raising awareness about his condition and the challenges faced by individuals with gigantism.

## FAQs
**What was Robert Wadlow's height?**
Robert Wadlow's height was recorded at 2.72 meters (8 feet 11 inches), making him the tallest person in recorded history.

**Where was Robert Wadlow born?**
Robert Wadlow was born in Alton, Illinois, United States, on February 22, 1918.

**What was Robert Wadlow's condition?**
Robert Wadlow's extraordinary height was due to a condition known as gigantism, which is caused by an overproduction of growth hormone.

**What did Robert Wadlow do for a living?**
Robert Wadlow worked briefly as a circus performer, leveraging his unique height for public appearances and tours.

**When did Robert Wadlow pass away?**
Robert Wadlow passed away on July 15, 1940, at the age of 22.

## Why They Matter
Robert Wadlow's significance lies in his status as a medical and historical record holder. His extraordinary height has made him a subject of study in the medical field, particularly in the understanding of gigantism and related conditions. His public appearances and tours also raised awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with gigantism, contributing to a broader understanding of the condition.

## Notable For
- **Tallest Recorded Person**: Robert Wadlow holds the record as the tallest person in recorded history, with a height of 2.72 meters (8 feet 11 inches).
- **Medical Study**: His condition and height have been subjects of medical study, contributing to the understanding of gigantism.
- **Public Appearances**: Wadlow participated in public events and tours, raising awareness about his condition and the challenges faced by individuals with gigantism.
- **Circus Performer**: He worked briefly as a circus performer, leveraging his unique height for public appearances.

## Body
### Early Life
Robert Wadlow was born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, United States. From an early age, it was evident that Wadlow was growing at an extraordinary rate. By the time he was 8 years old, he was already taller than his father. His condition, gigantism, was caused by an overproduction of growth hormone, leading to his remarkable height.

### Education
Wadlow attended Shurtleff College, which is now part of Southern Illinois University. Despite his condition, he was able to pursue his education and engage in academic activities.

### Public Life and Career
Robert Wadlow's extraordinary height made him a notable figure in his lifetime. He worked briefly as a circus performer, leveraging his unique height for public appearances and tours. His public appearances raised awareness about his condition and the challenges faced by individuals with gigantism.

### Medical Significance
Wadlow's height and condition have been subjects of medical study. His case has contributed to the understanding of gigantism and related conditions, providing valuable insights for medical professionals.

### Legacy
Robert Wadlow passed away on July 15, 1940, at the age of 22. Despite his short life, his legacy as the tallest recorded person in history continues to be recognized. His story has been documented in various medical and historical records, ensuring that his contributions to the understanding of gigantism are remembered.

## References

1. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20100319004913/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/human_body/extreme_bodies/tallest_man.aspx)
2. Geni.com
3. Find a Grave
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2022/6/the-tragic-death-of-robert-wadlow-the-tallest-man-ever-708849)
6. [Source](https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2086)
7. GeneaStar
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/hall-of-fame/robert-wadlow-tallest-man-ever)
10. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/19980224213429/http://www.altonweb.com:/history/wadlow/)
11. [Source](http://www.worldslargestthings.com/easterntour/wadlow.htm)
12. Quora