A family in Esko, Minnesota, USA, has achieved a record that not many can measure up to - quite literally!
Meet the Trapp family of five; Scott, Krissy, Savanna, Molly, and Adam.
On 6 December 2020, the Trapps were confirmed as the tallest family in the world with an average height of 203.29 cm (6 ft 8.03 in).
The family's combined height is equal to the length of half a tennis court!
The youngest (but certainly not the smallest) member of the family is 22-year-old Adam Trapp, who towers over his siblings and parents at an astounding 221.71 cm (7 ft 3 in) tall.
Savanna Trapp-Blanchfield, 27, is next, measuring in at 203.6 cm (6 ft 8 in). Last is their sister Molly Steede, 24, standing at 197.26 cm (6 ft 6 in) tall.
Unsurprisingly, all three Trapp kids played sports throughout their lives and were recruited by colleges for either basketball or volleyball.
"Coaches always said to us 'you can't teach height. You’re either tall or you’re not,'" said Molly.
Although they have many tall extended family members, it’s clear that the Trapp kids followed in their parents' (very large) footsteps.
Krissy, their mom, comes in as the shortest among the Trapp family at 191.2 cm (6 ft 3 in), while the father, Scott, is a towering 202.7 cm (6 ft 8 in).
"I love saying that I’m the shortest person in the world’s tallest family." – Krissy Trapp
Measuring up to such a record-breaking achievement was a tall task. Savanna credits her "super tall, little brother," Adam, for inspiring her to reach out to Guinness World Records.
In December 2020, the family went to Dr. Anna Sudoh, an orthopaedics doctor at Essentia Health, to be measured.
Each family member had to be measured three times throughout the day, both standing up and lying down. This average of these measurements is used to calculate their height.
After meeting all the criteria to qualify for a place in the record books, the Trapps were thrilled to learn they had become the new title holders.
"My sister called the family up to tell us that we officially got the record. Everyone was excited about it, and it was almost hard to believe,” said Adam.
The family feels that the worldwide recognition they’ve received makes up for the downside of being so tall.
"Our friends and family are so proud of us and like to use us for bragging rights, saying they know a world record holder," said Savanna.
Qualifying to be recognized as the tallest family certainly came along with some growing pains, both literally and figuratively.
"I have always been tall but had a growth spurt where I grew an inch and a half in one month." – Savanna Trapp-Blanchfield
"The growing pains were unreal. I have stretch marks on the back of my legs,” Savanna continued.
The Trapps each realized they were unusually tall early on, constantly standing out among their peers.
“When I was in the first grade, I was taller than my teacher,” said Scott.
But what’s it like to look down at everyone you meet?
It's a dilemma this super-tall family understands all too well. The Trapps have grown used to the frequent comments and stares they get in public.
Being taller than nearly everyone they meet, except for the occasional basketball player, means the family attracts attention everywhere they go.
They have learned to embrace their genetics and use their height as a way of engaging in conversations and educating others.
"Being able to meet new people when they come up and ask me questions about my height is something I like the most," said Adam.
The Trapps also encounter trying situations that most average-sized individuals don’t even have to think about.
"If I stand up too fast, I’ll faint and it’s a long way to fall," Savanna joked.
Besides having to duck to get through doorways, frustrating shopping experiences and difficulties driving a car because of their long legs, the Trapps agree that their spectacular size brings far more ups than downs.
"My height is useful for household projects. I don’t ever need a ladder." – Scott Trapp
Aside from their incredible accomplishment, the Trapps are just the same as any other family.
"I still put on my pants one leg at a time like most people. They're just really long pants," said Adam.
The family loves being able to share their most unique characteristic, which they feel has made them a strong family unit.
Since they can each relate to the trials and tribulations that come along with their stature, the Trapps often lean on each other for support.
"It’s nice to have a shoulder that’s tall enough for you to lean on. Who better to understand what you’re going through than the people who are even taller than you are?" – Molly Steede
The Trapp family hopes to continue using their height to their advantage.
While Savanna dreams of eventually pursuing acting, modelling, or breaking the record for the largest hands on a living person (female), Molly is looking forward to one day starting her very own tall family.
The Trapps hope that their record-breaking tallness will empower others who are unique or feel different.
They want the world to know that any one attribute shouldn’t define you and encourage people to judge others by who they are deep down inside rather than what they look like.
"There is joy and freedom in embracing who you are," said Savanna.
"Rock what you got. There is nobody else like you and that is fantastic."
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