Rumeysa Gelgi is what some might say is, “a tall drink of water.”
But Guinness World Records calls her “the tallest living woman in the world.”
Gelgi, 24, shares the same home country of Turkey with the world’s tallest living man, Sultan Kösen, who is 8 feet and 2.8 inches tall.
Guinness World Records said that it was rare for two holders of the same title to be from the same country.
The last time that happened was in 2009 when Bao Xi Shun and Yao Defen of China shared the records for tallest male and female.
Shun stood at 7 feet and 8.95 inches and Defen at 7 feet and 7 inches.
Gelgi’s 7 feet and 7 inches tall frame is a result of a condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes accelerated growth and other abnormalities.
While Gelgi is able to get around by using a walker for a short period of time, she uses a wheelchair for longer stretches of mobility.
She likes to use her world record fame to enlighten the world about rare medical conditions like Weaver.
“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 in the statement.
Gelgi was also named as the world’s tallest living female teenager in 2014 when she was 18.
“It’s an honor to welcome Rumeysa back into the record books. Her indomitable spirit and pride at standing out from the crowd is an inspiration,” said Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said in a press release. “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.”
Defen was the last person to hold Gelgi’s current title.
Zeng Jinlian from Hunan Province, China holds the title for the tallest woman ever recorded.
She was 8 feet and 1 inch at the time of her death in February 1982.
“I am very happy that I can help raise awareness, especially for Weaver syndrome and also scoliosis, which are the diseases I was born with,” she added. “I feel very proud to receive this new record title as the tallest living woman,” Gelgi according to Inside Edition.. “I feel very proud to receive this new record title as the tallest living woman.”
Gelgi said she hopes to be an inspiration to others to embrace what makes them different so they can achieve success.
“Her atmosphere and personality are so uplifting. She is such an amazing person,” wrote one person on YouTube.
When Gelgi isn’t winning world titles or inspiring the world, she likes to swim, as it helps her to relax. She also enjoys spending time going out to nice dinners with her family.
“Her family are very happy and proud of her for having the Guinness World Records title,” the press release said.
Learn more about Gelgi and her incredible height and personality in the video below.
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