Rumeysa Gelgi: The tallest woman in the world

Türkiye's Rumeysa Gelgi achieved global fame with her record-breaking stature: after becoming the tallest teenager (female), Rumeysa was confirmed to be the tallest woman living in 2021.
She also starred as the protagonist of the documentary "Rumeysa: Walking Tall".

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Nationality: Türkiye

Inducted: 2024

Notable Record(s):

  • Tallest woman 
  • Widest hand span on a living person (female) – 22.6 cm (8.9 in)
  • Largest hands on a living person (female) – 24.93 cm (9.81 in)
  • Longest back on a living person (female) – 59.90 cm (23.58 in)

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With her height and inspirational words, Rumeysa has defied stereotypes all her life.

When she was 17, she was recognized as the tallest teenager standing at 213.6 cm (7ft 0.09 in). In adulthood, measuring a jaw-dropping 215.16 cm, she officially became the world's tallest woman. 
Rumeysa has Weaver Syndrome and faced horrific bullying because of her height, battling the health issues that came along with her unique physical attributes.

Today she works as a web developer while travelling the world to educate the masses about her condition and acting as an ambassador for diversity and positivity. 
In 2024, she became the protagonist of GWR’s first feature-length documentary, Rumeysa Walking Tall.

Rumeysa with logo

I feel beyond privileged to be able to share my first ever abroad journey with a huge audience, and I'll be forever grateful to my Guinness World Records family, my fellow record holders and everyone else included for letting me turn a lifelong dream into reality.

- Rumeysa Gelgi

Highlights

Read more about Rumeysa Gelgi

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