The Search for the Tallest Person in the World: A Look into the Record Holders and Their Stories
When it comes to physical attributes, height is perhaps one of the most noticeable and impressive. People have always been fascinated by those who tower over the rest of us, and this fascination has led to a longstanding search for the tallest person in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the record holders and their stories, as well as explore what makes someone so much taller than the rest of us.
The Guinness World Records
One of the most well-known sources for records of all kinds is the Guinness World Records. Unsurprisingly, they also maintain a record for the world’s tallest person. As of 2021, the record holder is Sultan Kosen of Turkey, who stands at an incredible 8 feet 2.8 inches (2.51 meters). Kosen’s height is largely due to a condition known as acromegaly, which causes the pituitary gland to produce too much growth hormone. This condition is very rare and affects only a small percentage of the population.
Other Tallest People in History
While Sultan Kosen currently holds the record, there have been many other people throughout history who stood out for their extraordinary height. One of the most famous was Robert Wadlow, who was born in 1918 in the United States. By the age of eight, he was already taller than his father, and as an adult he reached a height of 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 meters). Unfortunately, Wadlow’s height was also due to a medical condition that caused his body to produce too much growth hormone. He died at the age of just 22 due to complications from an infection he developed after a blister on his foot.
What Causes Extraordinary Height?
As mentioned, many of the world’s tallest people have had medical conditions that contributed to their height. However, there are also some who simply grow taller than average due to genetics. According to the Guinness World Records, the tallest person on record who did not have a medical condition was a man named Angus MacAskill from Canada. MacAskill was born in 1825 and grew to a height of 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters). While he was certainly taller than most people, his height was not as extreme as some of the others we’ve mentioned.
The Challenges of Being Extremely Tall
While it may seem impressive and even enviable to be exceptionally tall, there are many challenges and drawbacks that come with it. For one thing, finding clothes and shoes that fit properly can be extremely difficult. Additionally, being so much taller than most people can lead to a variety of physical problems. Tall people may experience back pain, joint problems, and other health issues as a result of their height.
Conclusion
The search for the tallest person in the world is a fascinating and ongoing one. While many of the record holders have had medical conditions that contributed to their height, others have simply been genetic outliers. However, being extremely tall comes with its own set of challenges and complications. Nonetheless, people will likely continue to be fascinated by those who tower over the rest of us, and the search for the world’s tallest person will likely continue for many years to come.
