- Extremely tall people may attract attention wherever they go, but theirs is a life full of challenges
- This is due to the fact that public facilities and spaces are generally designed with the average height in mind
- TUKO.co.ke shares five challenges individuals who are taller-than-normal face daily
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We live in a world where most things are designed with the average person in mind, from clothes to shoes to vehicles to houses.
That means being exceptionally tall or plus size can present unique challenges that extend far beyond the usual inconveniences.
One of Kenya's tallest people, Bradley Marongo, recently illuminated the issue by revealing that he had never worn shoes his entire life.
The viral Kangemi man explained that he wears sandals because stores do not stock shoes that fit his legs.
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Since Bradley's story went viral, videos and photos of several other Kenyans with larger-than-normal heights have appeared online.
With this benefit of hindsight, TUKO.co.ke shares five challenges that extremely tall people navigate daily.
1. Struggle for comfortable clothing
One of the most common challenges extremely tall people face is finding clothing that fits appropriately.
Most clothing stores stock standard outfit sizes, often falling short of the length needed for extremely tall people.
Many of these outfits have short sleeves, legs, and torsos, forcing many to turn to specialty stores or custom tailoring.
Bradley found a way to do this with singlets and vests, as they offer him freedom with his hands.
The same is true for shoes. Many stores only stock sizes beyond a certain range, making it difficult for tall individuals to find fitting footwear.
2. Navigating public spaces
Public spaces, from doorways to aeroplane seats, are generally designed with the average height in mind.
Extremely tall people, therefore, have difficulty flying around due to cramped seating and limited legroom on planes.
The struggles are also experienced in public transportation, restaurants, and some homes with small furniture.
Bradley disclosed in an earlier interview that he usually sits at the front in matatus and has to pay double fare as he occupies two seats.
In Ghana, Sulemana Abdul Samed, estimated to be 9 ft 6in (2.89m), lamented that he can't drive.
"I was planning to go to driving school, but even when I shift the seat back, I can't hold the steering wheel," he said in a BBC interview.
He added that even when he sits in a vehicle, he can't stretch his legs because his knees would knock the wheel.
3. Health concerns
A study shared by the New York Post posits that being extremely tall has been linked with health issues, including cancer and stroke.
Researchers found that some variants that influence height are also linked to 127 medical conditions.
Details indicated that tall people are at higher risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and varicose veins.
These could lead to medical concerns such as joint pain, back problems, and cardiovascular issues.
Extra height and weight can strain the body, leading to chronic pain, particularly in the knees and lower back.
Guinness World Records holder Sultan Kosen once revealed that he suffers from stress on his knees, which forces him to use walking sticks.
To make it worse, he comes from a remote location in Turkey, which means seeking proper therapy treatment takes him 17 hours away by car.
Kosen's struggles with standing up for sustained periods make it hard for him to work a regular job, so he has been relegated to driving a tractor on the family farm.
4. Social and psychological impact
Beyond the physical challenges, extremely tall individuals often face social and psychological hurdles.
They may be subject to unwanted attention, teasing, or comments about their height, which can lead to feelings of self-consciousness.
In work settings, they may also encounter stereotypes that associate height with authority, placing them under undue pressure to conform to these expectations.
For instance, Bradley, the man nicknamed Kenyan Goliath, has been under pressure to join professional basketball.
5. Accessibility and advocacy
Making public spaces more friendly to extremely tall individuals is not an easy conversation to push.
Advocates for tall people posit that beds must be redesigned in places like hospitals to allow such patients.
Raising awareness about the unique challenges tall people face is also tricky, as fewer exist worldwide.
Conclusion
While being tall is often viewed as an advantage, especially in fields like sports, it comes with its own set of challenges.
From health issues to social stigma, extremely tall people must navigate a world that is not always built with them in mind.
Bradley Mtall lands lucrative brand ambassadorial deal
Meanwhile, Bradley Mtall recently secured a lucrative partnership with Nairobi's luxury clothing brand, Bespoke City.
The deal, facilitated by content creator Director Trevor, will provide Bradley with fully customised, Goliath-inspired outfits.
A shop in Nairobi also gifted Bradley a new phone after he sealed the first deal.
Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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