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Rumeysa Gelgi is no stranger to breaking records.
Last October, Guinness World Records proclaimed her to be the tallest living woman at 215.16 cm.
In 2014, when she was just 18 years old, she was found to be the tallest living teenager at 2.13m tall.
She has now added three more records to her name;
- Longest finger on a living person (female): 11.2 cm
- Largest hands on a living person (female): her right hand measures 24.93 cm and left hand measures 24.26 cm
- Longest back on a living person (female): 59.90 cm
For Rumeysa, getting several record titles has helped her pursue her dream of spreading awareness about her condition, Weaver syndrome and to spread positivity.
The 24-year-old’s tall stature is due to an extremely rare condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth and usually starts before birth, according to the National Organisation for Rare Disorders. Rumeysa was also born with scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
“I was born with extreme physical uniqueness,” Rumeysa writes on her Instagram, “and wanted to have as much of them recognized and celebrated as possible, hoping to inspire and encourage others with visible differences to do the same thing and be themselves.”
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The Turkish woman says she's proud of her multiple records.
When she was awarded the title of world’s tallest teenager, she said, “it’s one of my biggest dreams to be awarded with this record.”
“Being a record-holder is a very amazing thing. I know that only the special people can make it and I know I’m one of them now.”
It’s something Rumeysa and her family are ecstatic about as well.
“My family and the people around me are very supportive,” Rumeysa says. “They’re so excited and so happy.”
Because of her condition, she relies on a wheelchair to get around. When she does get up to walk a few steps, she uses a walking frame.
Rumeysa faces bullying and “weird stares” occasionally but refuses to let these define her.
“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,” she says.
Despite the hurdles she faces, Rumeysa tries to live life to the fullest. She enjoys going for a swim and having a delicious meal with her family.
The tallest living man is also from Turkey. Sultan Kösen (39) is 2,43m tall and also has the record for the largest hands, each measuring 28,5cm.
“I never imagined I would be in the book. I dreamt about it, but it was still a huge surprise,” he says of the record.
Sources: National Organisation for Rare Disorders, Guinness World Records, CNN, Huffington Post
