What did the world's tallest man at 272 cm look like and why did Robert Wadlow live so short a life? Photos and videos

On February 22, American Robert Wadlow, the world's tallest man, would have celebrated his birthday. However, the number 22 symbolized not only the day he was born, but also the age at which he died.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, he was 272 cm tall. Despite the fact that Wadlow was born a seemingly healthy child, over the years he began to grow at an amazing rate.

The record holder was born on February 22, 1918. At the age of five, the boy was 163 cm tall. Wadlow had to wear clothes for 17-year-olds.

At the age of nine, the future giant outgrew his father, reaching a height of 180 cm. When most children were still carried by adults, Robert was able to lift his father up the stairs of their family home.

At the age of 12, Wadlow learned of his diagnosis of pituitary giantism, which was the reason for his incredible height. His medical problems only worsened as he grew up. However, as a child, he tried not to be different from his peers, doing the same activities as other teenagers.

For example, he became a Boy Scout at the age of 13 and had an individual uniform, tent, and sleeping bag. By the way, Robert consumed five times more food than his peers. Wadlow was the eldest of five children: the record holder is pictured here on his 17th birthday with his two younger brothers.

In 1936, he went on tour with the hugely popular Ringling Brother Circus, thanks to which the giant became world famous. When asked in a radio interview whether Wadlow was annoyed by people staring at him, he calmly replied: "No, I just don't notice them."

A quiet, modest man, he took his newfound celebrity status in stride and used it to make money from public appearances.

In 1937, after celebrating his 19th birthday, Robert Wadlow became the tallest man in the world at 272 cm. However, due to his peculiarity, the record holder had problems with his legs: it was difficult for him to move around, so he used a cane and special braces.

It was Robert's feet that caused his untimely death at the age of just 22. He died at 1:30 a.m. on July 15, 1940, in a hotel in Manistee, Michigan, as a result of a septic blister on his right ankle caused by an infection that entered his body through a retainer. Since then, no one has managed to break Wadlow's record.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told how the world's shortest woman, Jyoti Amge, who recently turned 30, set a new record.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!