Turkish woman named tallest in world
Rumeysa Gelgi’s 7ft (2 metres 15cm) extraordinary height is due to a medical condition that accelerates growth
STANDING at 215.16cm (7ft 0.7in), Turkey’s Rumeysa Gelgi has been named as the tallest woman living.
Rumeysa was re-measured this year, after she was first awarded the title for the tallest teenager living (female) back in 2014, when she was aged 18.
Her tall stature is down to a condition called Weaver syndrome, an extremely rare condition which causes accelerated growth amongst other abnormalities including skeletal maturation.
The condition means that Rumeysa uses a wheelchair most of the time, but can move for short periods using a walker.
Ever since her first record in 2014, Rumeysa has felt it was important to use her platform to educate others about rare medical conditions such as her own.
She says that her height makes people intrigued when they pass her on the street, but most people are kind and supportive when they meet her for the first time.
In her free time Rumeysa likes to go out for nice meals with her family and finds swimming really helps her to relax. Her family are very happy and proud of her for having the Guinness World
Records title.
The 24-year-old from Turkey said: “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.”
It’s particularly fascinating that Rumeysa is from Turkey, as alongside Sultan Kösen (251 cm; 8 ft 2.8 in), both the tallest living male and female record holders are now from the same country — a rare occurrence in Guinness World Records 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 male and female records respectively.
The previous record holder was Yao Defen (China) who recorded an average height of 233.3 cm (7 ft 7 in) when last documented back in 2010.
Craig Glenday, editor in chief at Guinness World Records, said: “It’s an honour to welcome Rumeysa back into the record books.
“Her indomitable spirit and pride at standing out from the crowd is an inspiration.
“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.”
The tallest woman to have lived was Zeng Jinlian, from China, who was measured at 8ft 1in (246.3cm) before her death in 1982.