Fri 15 October 2021:
Rumeysa Gelgi of Turkey holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s tallest living woman, standing at 7 feet, 0.7 inches tall.
Gelgi, 24, first broke a Guinness World Record when she was 17 years old, when she was named the world’s tallest teenager (female).
Her tall stature is related to a condition known as Weaver syndrome, which causes fast growth as well as other abnormalities such as skeletal maturation, according to Guinness World Records.
Since setting the Guinness World Record in 2014, Rumeysa has been using her title to raise awareness about rare medical issues such as her own.
“Every disadvantage can be turned into an advantage for yourself so accept yourself for who you are, be aware of your potential and do your best,” she said, after being asked for her advice for anyone who is tall or who is struggling with feeling different.
Rumeysa utilizes a wheelchair to get around, but she can also walk with the help of a walker.
People are intrigued by her height when they pass her on the street, she says, but most people are nice and encouraging when they first meet her.
Rumeysa enjoys going out to eat with her family in her spare time. She also feels that swimming is a great way for her to relax.
Rumeysa’s return to the Guinness World Records book was an honor, according to Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief.
“Her indomitable spirit and pride at standing out from the crowd is an inspiration,” he was quoted as saying. “The category of tallest living woman is not one that changes hands very often, so I’m excited to share this news with the world.”
Glenday also said the record was “all the more fascinating”; given that the titleholder for the tallest living male is also from Turkey. Sultan Kosen, who measured 251 cm (8 ft 2.8 in), was given the tile on 8 February 2011.
“This a rare occurrence in our 67-year history. The last time the two holders shared the same nationality was in 2009, when China’s Bao Xi Shun (236.1 cm; 7 ft 8.95 in) and Yao Defen (233.3 cm (7 ft 7 in)) held the tallest man and woman records respectively.”
Yao Defen (China) held the previous record, with an average height of 233.3 cm (7 ft 7 in) when last measured in 2010.
Zeng Jinlian (China) was the world’s tallest woman when she died on February 13, 1982, at a height of 246.3 cm (8 ft 1 in).
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