By Matthew Tabe
Rumeysa Gelgi holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest woman in the world.
Gelgi was born on January 1, 1997, in Turkey. She was the first confirmed case of Weaver syndrome in the country. Weaver’s syndrome is a rare condition — only 50 individuals have been reported to have the condition.
Per Cleveland Clinic: Weaver syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes bone overgrowth. People with Weaver syndrome are usually very tall and may have distinct facial features, such as wide set eyes. They may also have intellectual or physical disabilities. Although there is no cure, people with this condition can live healthy lives.
Gelgi underwent open heart surgery as a one-year-old because of congenital heart diseases. Two years later, she had surgery again for an umbilical hernia.
Gelgi flew on a plane for the first time in November, traveling from Turkey to the US.
Gelgi is a freelance web developer and was homeschooled her whole life.
Gelgi was announced the tallest woman in the world in October 2021 by the Guinness World Records. But that was not Gelgi’s first time holding a world record for towering height: In 2014, she was announced the world’s tallest living teenager.
The 25-year-old also holds several other world records, including the longest fingers, largest hands, and longest back on a living woman, per Guinness World Records.
“Being over seven feet tall unfortunately has brought me some physical challenges such as walking difficulties and spinal curvature,” Gelgi told Insider. “However, I’m so grateful to be the way I am despite all the challenges,” she added.
When Gelgi was five years old, she had to go through five months of physiotherapy before she could walk for the first time, with the aid of a walker.
She’s been cited in various medical studies since 1999, as listed on her website.