Turkey’s Rumeysa Gelgi confirmed as the world’s tallest woman living

Rumeysa Gelgi of Turkey is now the world’s tallest woman, standing at 215.16cm (7ft 0.7in). Rumeysa was re-measured this year after being named the world’s tallest teen living girl in 2014 when she was 18 years old.

Her large stature is due to a disorder known as Weaver syndrome. It causes fast growth as well as other anomalies such as skeletal maturation.

Rumeysa is confined to a wheelchair for the majority of the time due to her disability. But she can walk for short periods using a walker.

Rumeysa has thought it is vital to use her platform to educate others about rare medical issues like her own since her first album in 2014.

People are intrigued by her height when they pass her on the street, she claims. But most people are nice and supportive when they first meet her.

More about Rumeysa Gelgi – World’s tallest woman

Rumeysa enjoys going out for great meals with her family in her spare time. She believes that swimming helps her relax. Her family is ecstatic and happy that she holds the Guinness World Records title.

“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.” – Rumeysa

Rumeysa’s origins are particularly intriguing, as she joins Sultan Kösen (251 cm; 8 ft 2.8 in) as the world’s tallest surviving male and female record holders from the same country. It is a rare occurrence in Guinness World Records history.

In 2009, 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 male and female records, respectively.

“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. 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.” – Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief, Guinness World Records

Yao Defen (China) held the previous record, with an average height of 233.3 cm (7 ft 7 in) when last measured in 2010.