Is Sultan Kösen still the world's tallest man? GWR ICON defends title in new documentary
Guinness World Records ICON Sultan Kösen is set to defend his tallest man title in a brand new documentary.
The World’s Tallest Man - The Next Chapter will air on TLC in the US on 8 April and on Channel 4 in the UK on 4 May.
It follows the former farmer from his home in Türkiye as he travels back to London, UK, for a series of medical tests.
Sultan with the documentary crew
Sultan’s record-breaking 8 ft 1 in (246.5 cm) height made him a global sensation in 2009 when he became the world’s tallest man and overall tallest person.
And he later grew even taller to 8 ft 2.8 in (251 cm).
But his tall stature is due to a rare pituitary tumour that left him in need of life-saving medical intervention.
Stuart Clarke, Executive Producer and Director of the new documentary, said: “Travelling back to London, Sultan now faces two crucial tests that could shape the next chapter. Doctors must assess the impact that years of weight, strain and gravity have placed on his enormous frame, as chronic pain threatens his mobility.
Sultan chatting with GWR's Craig Glenday
“At the same time, Sultan's record could be under threat, by two contenders, Guinness World Records will measure him again to determine whether he still holds the title that first brought him worldwide fame. But beyond the record books, this film explores the personal story behind the tallest man on Earth.
“Fame brought Sultan global recognition, but it also brought physical hardship, intense public scrutiny and challenges in his search for happiness.”
Sultan will also reflect on his life in the spotlight and his search for true love, as well as answering the sort of questions people may have always wanted to ask him.
GWR Adjudicator Will Munford practising his measuring technique on colleague Craig
Read more stories about incredible humans like Sultan in our dedicated Human Body section.
While he was in London, Sultan also visited famous toy store Hamleys to sign copies of Guinness World Records alongside the book’s Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday.
In footage captured by our social media team at the time, Sultan was seen towering over the shop’s aisles and waving to the crowd of people who’d gathered to see him.
As one of only around 10 people to grow over 8 ft tall in all of history, a visit from him is always going to be an exciting one!
Catch The World’s Tallest Man - The Next Chapter when it airs on TLC in the US on 8 April and on Channel 4 in the UK on 4 May.