Over the ages, numerous individuals of remarkable stature have fascinated the globe. These extraordinarily tall people typically surpass the average human height due to hereditary disorders or endocrine abnormalities. In this segment, we will delve into the lives and tales of the ten tallest individuals on the planet. From the renowned “Alton Giant” to contemporary record-setters, these people provide a captivating look into the rare world of exceptional human heights.
Who Is The Tallest Person In The World?
The roster of the tallest individuals ever recorded features people whose heights have sparked intrigue and curiosity over time. Most of these measurements are substantiated by medical documents and archives. Here’s an examination of some of the tallest figures globally, according to the most recent data:
1. Robert Wadlow (USA) – 8 feet 11 inches (272 cm):
Robert Wadlow, famously known as the “Alton Giant,” holds the record as the tallest person ever documented. Born in 1918 in Alton, Illinois, he grew to an astounding 8 feet 11 inches due to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, causing an unusual surge in growth hormone. Wadlow’s remarkable height made him famous in his lifetime, and he traveled with the Ringling Brothers Circus, exhibiting his height.
2. John Rogan (USA) – 8 feet 9 inches (267 cm):
John Rogan, the second tallest person ever recorded and the tallest African American, was born in Tennessee in 1868. He experienced a significant growth spurt at 13, ultimately reaching 8 feet 9 inches. Rogan’s height resulted from severe scoliosis and other medical issues, which later rendered him unable to stand or walk. Despite his physical challenges, he was remembered for his joyful disposition and benevolence.
3. Leonid Stadnyk (Ukraine) – 8 feet 5 inches (257 cm):
Leonid Stadnyk, once regarded as the unofficial tallest man, was a veterinarian from Ukraine. His impressive height was never officially verified by the Guinness World Records as he refused to undergo their measurement standards. Claiming to be 8 feet 5 inches tall, his height was attributed to a pituitary gland tumor. Stadnyk lived a reserved life in his village, avoiding public attention until his passing in 2014.
4. Väinö Myllyrinne (Finland) – 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm):
Väinö Myllyrinne, one of the tallest men ever recorded, served in the Finnish Defence Forces and was once the tallest living person. His height stood at 8 feet 3 inches. Known for his incredible strength and size, which were remarkable even among giants, Myllyrinne led a relatively ordinary life after his military service, until his death in 1963.
5. Sultan Kösen (Turkey) – 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm):
Sultan Kösen holds the title from the Guinness World Records as the tallest living man. Born in 1982 in Turkey, his height was caused by a tumor affecting his pituitary gland. Reaching 8 feet 3 inches, Kösen has received medical treatment to halt his growth and has since enjoyed a life of fame, traveling internationally and appearing in various public and media events.
6. Edward Beaupré (Canada) – 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm):
Edward Beaupré, often called the “Willow Bunch Giant,” was born in Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1881. Achieving a remarkable stature of 8 feet 3 inches, he was notable not only for his towering height but also for his immense strength. Beaupré traveled with circuses and showcased his abilities in numerous exhibitions until his health deteriorated. His legacy is a significant part of Canadian folk history, remembered with both admiration and poignancy.
7. Don Koehler (USA) – 8 feet 2 inches (249 cm):
Don Koehler became renowned as one of the tallest twins, with his sister also being exceptionally tall. Born in 1925 in Montana, USA, Koehler reached a height of 8 feet 2 inches due to pituitary gigantism. He experienced both advantages and difficulties related to his extraordinary height, attracting public interest while managing health challenges associated with his size. He lived his life under public scrutiny until he passed away in 1981.
8. Bernard Coyne (USA) – 8 feet 2 inches (249 cm):
Bernard Coyne is a lesser-known giant listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for his remarkable height. Born in 1897 in Iowa, he reached 8 feet 2 inches due to acromegalic gigantism and was reportedly still growing at the time he passed away in 1921. His imposing stature made everyday tasks difficult, yet he remained a subject of public fascination throughout his lifetime.
9. Brahim Takioullah (Morocco) – 8 feet 1 inch (247 cm):
Brahim Takioullah holds the Guinness World Record for the largest feet on a living person and is the second tallest person alive. Born in 1982 in Morocco, his growth resulted from a pituitary tumor. Although standing at 8 feet 1 inch, Takioullah has faced numerous challenges due to his height, yet he uses his visibility to advocate for awareness about growth disorders and collaborates with medical professionals.
10. Vikas Uppal (India) – 8 feet 1 inch (247 cm):
Vikas Uppal, considered the tallest man in India, lived until 2007. Born in 1986 in Rohtak, he was never officially measured by Guinness World Records but was reported to be about 8 feet 1 inch tall. Uppal’s impressive height brought both attention and difficulties in his life, which included managing health issues related to his size but also drawing significant interest from his community and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is the tallest woman in the world?
Rumeysa Gelgi, a Turkish advocate, researcher, and web developer, is recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest woman alive.
How many people have grown over 8 feet?
Sultan Kösen is among the 10 recorded cases of individuals surpassing 8 feet in height. This remarkable stature is due to the excessive production of growth hormones caused by a tumor affecting his pituitary gland.
Who is the tallest 9-year-old in history?
Trijntje Keever attracted public attention when she reached a height of 2 meters (around 6 ft 7 in) by the age of nine.
What is the height of the tallest woman in the world?
Rumeysa Gelgi, Turkey’s tallest woman, stands at 7ft 0.7in and is noted for her exceptional resilience and positive outlook.
Who hold the record for the tallest human in history?
Robert Wadlow, famously known as the ‘Alton Giant,’ is the tallest person recorded in history. He grew to an astonishing 8ft 11.1in due to pituitary gland hyperplasia.