How the disease affected Nikolai Valuev and what he was like as a child

It is no exaggeration to say that Nikolai Valuev is the most recognizable Russian athlete. Of course, it is very difficult not to notice and remember a giant with a height of 213 cm and a weight of 150 kg. But you don't need to be a doctor to understand that an athlete's unusual complexion is a consequence of an illness. Valuev has been suffering from pituitary gland disease for many years, which has left an imprint on his appearance. Many people are interested in what Nikolai was like as a child, until the disease made itself felt.

Acromegaly caused by impaired pituitary function began to manifest in Nicholas is still in junior high. He was born a very ordinary child, but already in the first grade he was noticeably larger than his peers. By the second grade , Nikolai was looking at his classmates from a height of 160 cm . Back then, he was taller than some female teachers.

In the 6th grade, Valuev's height reached two meters. This did not affect the boy's activity at all and he led an ordinary life: playing, running, climbing trees and fences.

The tall teenager was soon noticed by the basketball coach and Nikolai began to attend the section. But the team game with the ball did not capture the guy and soon he switched to athletics.

Valuev's new sport was discus throwing. He achieved some success as a discobolus, but he cooled down again. But the next hobby of the big guy was boxing and it turned out to be exactly what you need. Valuev spent most of his life performing in the ring and retired from boxing, too. He had to retire because of the same acromegaly, which continued to affect the athlete's body.

Nikolai Valuev underwent two operations in Germany to remove a pituitary tumor, but they did not bring the desired result. In 2010, the boxer had to announce the end of his sports career. But Valuev was not used to sitting idle and therefore quickly found himself in various activities.

Valuev is the host of the program "Good Night, kids", Vice-president of the Russian Bandy Federation and chairman of the public council of the ANO "Public Forum "Ecology". But Nikolai Sergeyevich is best known as a deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. By the way, the athlete was repeatedly offered roles in Hollywood, but he always refused.

The athlete has a spouse and three children. Next to her husband, Galina Valueva looks like Thumbelina.