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Throughout history, some individuals have stood head and shoulders above the rest—literally! While the average human height varies across populations, there have been extraordinary cases of people growing to astonishing heights due to genetics, medical conditions, or rare growth disorders. Here’s a look at the 10 tallest people ever recorded, along with their incredible stories.
1. Robert Wadlow – 8 ft 11 in (272 cm)
Widely known as the tallest man in recorded history, Robert Wadlow was born in 1918 in Alton, Illinois. Due to an overactive pituitary gland, he continued growing throughout his life, reaching 8 feet 11 inches before his death at age 22. Despite his extraordinary height, Wadlow was known for his gentle nature and required leg braces to walk.
2. John Rogan – 8 ft 9 in (267 cm)
John Rogan, born in 1868 in Tennessee, was the tallest African American in recorded history. His growth spurt began at age 13, and he eventually reached 8 feet 9 inches. Due to his excessive height and a bone disease, he was unable to walk and used a custom-made cart to move around.
3. John F. Carroll – 8 ft 8 in (264 cm)
John Carroll, born in Buffalo, New York, in 1932, suffered from acromegaly and gigantism, causing him to grow rapidly. His spine developed extreme curvature (scoliosis), which made measuring his full height difficult, but he was estimated to be around 8 feet 8 inches at his tallest.
4. Leonid Stadnyk – 8 ft 5 in (257 cm)
A Ukrainian man, Leonid Stadnyk was said to have reached 8 feet 5 inches, but he refused to be officially measured by Guinness World Records. His extraordinary height was due to a tumor affecting his pituitary gland, which caused excessive growth hormone production.
5. Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever – 8 ft 4 in (254 cm)
Trijntje Keever, born in the Netherlands in 1616, is considered the tallest woman in recorded history at 8 feet 4 inches. She was known as the “Giantess of Edam” and was exhibited as a curiosity in her youth before passing away at just 17 years old.
6. Vaino Myllyrinne – 8 ft 3 in (251 cm)
Born in Finland in 1909, Vaino Myllyrinne was recognized as the tallest soldier in history and served in the Finnish Army. He experienced a second growth spurt in his late 20s, eventually reaching 8 feet 3 inches.
7. Edouard Beaupré – 8 ft 3 in (251 cm)
A circus performer and strongman, Edouard Beaupré was born in Canada in 1881. By adulthood, he stood 8 feet 3 inches tall and was known for lifting heavyweights. Sadly, his immense size led to numerous health issues, and he passed away at just 23 years old.
8. Sultan Kösen – 8 ft 2.8 in (251 cm) (Tallest Living Man)
Hailing from Turkey, Sultan Kösen holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest living person at 8 feet 2.8 inches. His extreme height is caused by pituitary gigantism, and doctors have helped control his growth through medical treatments.
9. Brahim Takioullah – 8 ft 1 in (246 cm)
Brahim Takioullah, from Morocco, is one of the tallest people alive today, standing at 8 feet 1 inch. He also holds the record for the largest feet in the world, requiring custom-made shoes due to his size.
10. Radhouane Charbib – 7 ft 9 in (236 cm)
Before Sultan Kösen, Radhouane Charbib of Tunisia held the Guinness World Record for tallest living man at 7 feet 9 inches. Though shorter than others on this list, he was recognized internationally for his exceptional height.
These towering individuals amazed the world with their extreme heights, but many faced health challenges due to their conditions. Thanks to modern medicine, people with gigantism and acromegaly now have better treatment options to manage excessive growth.
