Robert Wadlow, known as the tallest man in the world, was born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois. He suffered from a rare condition that caused his body to continuously grow, reaching a height of 2.74 meters (8'11.1"). Wadlow's enormous size led to numerous health issues, including back problems, foot pain, and limited mobility.
Despite his struggles, Wadlow became a celebrity, traveling the world and promoting a shoe company that made custom shoes for him. However, during a trip to Michigan in 1940, he developed an infection from a blister on his ankle, which he couldn't feel due to nerve damage.
The infection led to a fever, and despite emergency surgery, Wadlow's condition worsened, and he passed away on July 15, 1940, at just 22 years old. His funeral drew a large crowd, with over 33,000 people attending. Wadlow's family later destroyed most of his belongings to prevent them from being sold or exhibited. A bronze statue was erected in his hometown, and his legacy lives on through various tributes and references worldwide.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Robert Wadlow was also known as the tallest man of all time.
2. He was born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, USA.
3. Robert's height was caused by a dysfunction that prevented him from stopping growing.
4. At 13 years old, Robert was already 1.9 meters tall.
5. At 14 years old, Robert fractured his foot while playing with friends.
6. Robert had to wear a more resistant ankle brace to support his enormous size.
7. He used a cushion on his feet that caused an infection when he was 17 years old.
8. At 19 years old, Robert was already 2.54 meters tall, the tallest man in the world.
9. Robert's shoe size was 47 cm (US size 37).
10. He partnered with a company that produced his shoes and traveled with them.
11. Robert's health began to decline during a trip to Michigan in 1940.
12. He developed an infection caused by a blister on his ankle that he didn't feel.
13. Robert passed away on July 15, 1940, at the age of 22.
14. His coffin was gigantic, measuring approximately 3 meters long.
15. 16 people were needed to carry the coffin.
16. Robert's funeral attracted over 33,000 people.
17. His family destroyed most of his belongings after his death.
18. A bronze statue of Robert was erected in his hometown in 1985.