Standing at 215.16 cm (7 ft 0.7 in), Türkiye's Rumeysa Gelgi was confirmed as the tallest woman living back in 2021.
But this wasn’t her first record. In 2014, at the age of 17 and with a height of 213.6 cm (7 ft 0.09 in), she was named tallest teenager (female).
In fact, Rumeysa’s height is only one of her many record-breaking features.
Rumeysa: Walking Tall is Guinness World Records and GWR Studios’ first feature-length documentary, available to stream free from 21 December, only on Rakuten TV.
It explores the 26-year-old’s life as the world’s tallest woman and an avid advocate for people with visible differences.
Until then, let’s explore all of Rumeysa’s current, iconic record titles one by one.
Tallest woman living
Rumeysa’s incredible height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes accelerated growth and remarkably advanced bone age.
Rumeysa uses a wheelchair a lot of the time, although she can use a walker to move safely for short periods of time.
Rumeysa’s parents and siblings are all of average height, with no one in her immediate or extended family presenting signs of Weaver syndrome.
Widest hand span on a living person (female)
Rumeysa’s hand span of 22.6 cm (8.9 in) earned her another record in Karabük, Türkiye, on 19 February 2022.
You can see her holding a Guinness World Records book for scale, with her freshly manicured, record-breaking hands.
Longest finger on a living person (female)
With her middle finger measuring 11.2 cm (4.40 in), Rumeysa holds another handy record title.
In the past, Rumeysa has received negativity due to her appearance.
Now, however, she shares that most people are supportive and that being a multiple record holder has been a source of pride and positivity for her.
“It motivated me to pursue my goals and have a more confident outlook in life,” she told us.
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.
Largest hands on a living person (female)
On the same theme, Rumeysa went on to break another iconic record, with her right hand measuring 24.93 cm (9.81 in) and her left hand, only slightly smaller, measuring 24.26 cm (9.55 in).
To show the size of her hands, Rumeysa is often asked to hold various everyday objects – such as this regular-sized apple.
Longest back on a living person (female)
Rumeysa’s back measures an astounding 59.90 cm (23.58 in), allowing her to add another record on the impressive list.
The Turkish advocate has said that she is keen to highlight the advantages of being so tall:
“I like being different from everyone else. It’s interesting and makes me feel special. It also provides me with easy access to high places, and looking down at people from above isn’t a bad thing either!”
Rumeysa: Walking Tall
The Guinness World Records documentary follows Rumeysa Gelgi as she fulfils her lifelong dream of flying to California, USA.
There she meets and bonds with other inspiring women record breakers like Samantha Ramsdell, who has the largest mouth gape (female) and widest mouth (female), and Wildine Aumoithe, the shortest woman living (non-mobile) and shortest professional model.
The documentary aims to give the wider audience an exclusive look inside the life of the world’s tallest woman and to spread Rumeysa’s message of kindness and acceptance.
Rumeysa: Walking Tall will be available to stream from 21 December, only on Rakuten TV.
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