Humans come in all shapes and sizes, but some have grown to extraordinary heights. Throughout history, there have been individuals whose heights defied expectations. These men are not just tall; they are giants, often standing well over seven feet. Here is a look at the top 10 tallest men ever recorded in the 20th and 21st centuries.

1. Robert Wadlow – 8 feet 11 inches (272 cm)

Robert Wadlow holds the record as the tallest man ever recorded. Born in 1918 in Illinois, USA, he reached a staggering height of 8 feet 11 inches (272 cm). He was known as the “Alton Giant” after his hometown. Wadlow’s height was due to an overactive pituitary gland, which caused his body to produce excessive growth hormone.

By the time he was 8 years old, Robert had already grown to over 6 feet tall. Despite his height, he lived a relatively normal life. Wadlow was calm and gentle, and people admired his kind nature. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 22 due to an infection caused by a faulty leg brace. Robert Wadlow remains the tallest man in recorded history.

2. John Rogan – 8 feet 9 inches (267 cm)

John Rogan, born in Tennessee in 1868, is the second tallest man ever recorded. He grew to a height of 8 feet 9 inches (267 cm). Rogan’s growth began to accelerate rapidly during his teens. By the age of 13, he was already over 7 feet tall. Rogan suffered from ankylosis, a condition that fused his joints, leaving him unable to walk.

Because of his condition, Rogan spent much of his life in a chair or bed. Despite his limitations, he became well known in his community. People often described him as cheerful and friendly. Rogan passed away in 1905 at the age of 37. His height remains one of the most remarkable records in history.

3. John F. Carroll – 8 feet 7 inches (264 cm)

John F. Carroll, known as the Buffalo Giant, was born in New York in 1932. He reached a height of 8 feet 7 inches (264 cm). Carroll’s growth was due to a condition called acromegalic gigantism, which caused his body to produce too much growth hormone.

Carroll’s height caused him significant health problems. His spine developed severe curvature, making movement difficult. Despite his struggles, Carroll remained a symbol of courage. He lived until the age of 36, passing away in 1969. His story reminds us of the challenges faced by people with extreme height.

4. Leonid Stadnyk – 8 feet 5 inches (257 cm)

Leonid Stadnyk, from Ukraine, was once the world’s tallest living man. He reached a height of 8 feet 5 inches (257 cm). Born in 1970, Stadnyk’s growth began after surgery on a brain tumor triggered an increase in growth hormone production. His rapid growth continued throughout his life, and he became known as a gentle giant in his village.

Stadnyk was shy and preferred to live a quiet life. He worked as a veterinarian and took care of his mother. Despite offers for public appearances, he often declined the attention. Sadly, Leonid Stadnyk passed away in 2014 at the age of 44 from a brain hemorrhage.

5. Väinö Myllyrinne – 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm)

Väinö Myllyrinne was born in Finland in 1909 and reached a height of 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm). He was recognized as the tallest man alive during his lifetime. Myllyrinne served in the Finnish Army and was known for his strength and size. His height brought him fame, but he remained a humble and kind man.

Myllyrinne’s growth was also caused by acromegaly, a condition that affects the pituitary gland. His towering height made him an impressive figure, but he lived a simple life. He passed away in 1963 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy as one of the tallest men in history.

6. Edouard Beaupré – 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm)

Edouard Beaupré, known as the Willow Bunch Giant, was born in Canada in 1881. He grew to a height of 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm). Beaupré was not only tall but also strong. He worked as a circus performer and strongman, lifting heavy objects and performing impressive feats of strength.

Despite his fame, Beaupré struggled with health issues related to his height. His size placed enormous stress on his body, and he often felt pain. Tragically, Edouard Beaupré died at the young age of 23 due to complications from tuberculosis. His life was short, but his legend lives on as one of the tallest men ever recorded.

7. Sultan Kösen – 8 feet 2.8 inches (251 cm)

Sultan Kösen, from Turkey, currently holds the title of the tallest living man. Born in 1982, he stands at an incredible height of 8 feet 2.8 inches (251 cm). Kösen’s growth is the result of a condition called pituitary gigantism, which caused his body to release too much growth hormone.

Kösen’s height has made everyday life challenging. He requires custom-made clothes, shoes, and furniture to accommodate his size. Despite the difficulties, Kösen has a positive outlook on life. He enjoys the attention his height brings and has traveled the world as a Guinness World Record holder. He remains an inspiration for many.

8. Don Koehler – 8 feet 2 inches (249 cm)

Don Koehler, from the USA, was born in 1925 and reached a height of 8 feet 2 inches (249 cm). Koehler’s growth spurt began during his teenage years and continued until adulthood. He became the world’s tallest living man during the 1970s.

Koehler’s height caused several health problems, including a severe curvature of the spine. He also faced difficulties finding clothes and furniture that fit him. Despite these challenges, Koehler led a relatively normal life. He passed away in 1981 at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy as one of the tallest men of the 20th century.

9. Bernard Coyne – 8 feet 2 inches (249 cm)

Bernard Coyne was born in Iowa, USA, in 1897. He grew to a height of 8 feet 2 inches (249 cm). Coyne’s height was due to a rare condition called eunuchoidal gigantism. This condition caused abnormal growth during his childhood and teenage years.

Coyne’s extraordinary height brought him fame, but it also made life difficult. He struggled with health issues and often faced challenges in finding proper clothing and transportation. Coyne passed away in 1921 at the age of 23. Despite his short life, he remains one of the tallest men ever recorded.

10. Radhouane Charbib – 7 feet 9 inches (236 cm)

Radhouane Charbib, from Tunisia, was recognized as the world’s tallest living man in the late 1990s. Standing at 7 feet 9 inches (236 cm), Charbib gained fame for his height. He became a Guinness World Record holder and traveled around the world to meet people fascinated by his size.

Charbib was known for his friendly personality and positive attitude. He embraced his height and enjoyed sharing his experiences with others. Charbib remains one of the tallest men of the 21st century and a notable figure in the world of giants.

The men on this list represent some of the tallest individuals ever recorded in modern history. Their extraordinary heights set them apart from the average person, and they continue to fascinate people around the world. While their height brought them fame, it also came with challenges. Their stories are a reminder of how unique the human body can be.