World’s Tallest Man: Sultan kosen
Sultan Kosen, towering at an incredible height of 251 cm (8 ft. 2.82 in), claims the prestigious title of the tallest man in the world. His extraordinary stature is attributed to a rare medical condition – gigantism and acromegaly – both stemming from a tumor impacting his pituitary gland. This article takes readers on a fascinating exploration of Sultan Kosen’s unique life, shedding light on his exceptional experiences, the hurdles he has faced and his noteworthy achievements.
Early Life and Challenges
Birth date: 10th December 1982
Birth place: Village of Alibey in Mardin Province, Turkey
Growing up in a small Turkish village, Sultan Kosen faced unique challenges due to his exceptional height. His towering stature made it impossible to complete his education and he instead worked part-time as a farmer. While Kosen appreciated the advantages of his height, such as being able to see great distances and helping domestic tasks, he also encountered numerous disadvantages, including the difficulty of finding clothes and shoes that fit and fitting into an average-sized car.
Medical Treatment and Halt to Growth
Sultan Kosen’s life took a positive turn when he received medical treatment for his pituitary tumor. Starting in 2010, he underwent Gamma knife treatment at the University of Virginia Medical School and received medication to control the excessive levels of growth hormone. By March 2012, it was confirmed that the treatment had successfully halted Kosen’s continuous growth, improving his quality of life significantly.
Personal Life and Relationships
In October 2013, Sultan Kosen made headlines when he married Merve Dibo, a Syrian woman ten years his junior. Their union was marked by challenges in communication, as Kosen spoke Turkish while his wife spoke Arabic. Sadly, the couple got divorced in 2021, citing the language barrier as a key problem. Nevertheless, Kosen remains hopeful about finding love again in the future.
Meeting the World’s Shortest Man
On November 13, 2014, as part of Guinness World Records Day, Sultan Kosen had the unique opportunity to meet Chandra Bahadur Dangi, the world’s shortest man ever, with a height of only 54.6 cm (1 ft. 9+1/2 in). The stark contrast in their heights, a difference of 196.4 cm (6ft. 5.32 in), highlighted the incredible diversity of the human experience.
Life Beyond Records
Sultan Kosen’s extraordinary height has taken him to various parts of the world. In 2014, he joined the Magic Circus of Samoa and participated in show across the globe, captivating audiences with his remarkable stature and inspiring story.
A Celebration of Life
As Sultan Kosen celebrated his 40th birthday on December 10, 2022, he visited the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum in Orlando, Florida, where he posed next to life-sized statue of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man ever recorded at an astonishing height of 272 cm (8 ft. 11.1 in). This poignant moment serves as an evident to the enduring fascination with individuals of exceptional height.
Records and Legacy
Sultan Kosen’s remarkable height has earned him several Guinness World Records, including the titles of the tallest living male and largest hands, measuring 27.5 cm (10+7/8 in). He also holds the second-largest feet record, with his left foot measuring 36.5 cm (14+3/8 in) and his right foot measuring 35.5 cm (14 in).