In early 2022, Guinness World Records named then-24-year-old Rumeysa Gelgi the tallest woman alive.
In her native Karabük province of Turkey, Gelgi usually gets around in a wheelchair and occasionally walks short distances. Traveling longer distances requires a stretcher. This is because Gelgi has Weaver Syndrome, which, among other things, results in accelerated growth and skeletal maturation, which is also the cause of her rather astounding height.
Upon receiving her award, Gelgi shared an inspiring message, saying: “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.”
This isn’t her first Guinness World Record. In 2014, she was named the world’s tallest teenager by the publication. She has since used her platform to champion those with rare disabilities and help them see that standing out from the crowd isn’t so bad.
After receiving her second world record, Gelgi said:
“Being different is not as bad as you think. It can bring you unexpected success,” adding, “I personally think that differences and other features which seem like a disadvantage can be turned to advantages if you want it and make the effort for it. That is exactly what I did.”
In addition to these, Gelgi holds three other Guinness World Records, including the longest finger of a living female (4.40 inches), the largest female hands (right 9.81 inches and left 9.55 inches), and the longest back for a female (23.58 inches).
Despite her unusual size compared to normal people, this doesn’t stop people from gushing over the woman’s beauty, which emanates from her kindred spirit. Read on to learn more about Gelgi and the challenges she had overcome.
Among the challenges she had faced because of her condition was flying in an aircraft. Gelgi posted about her first journey by plane on Instagram, and her excitement was crystal clear. She posted photos with other members of the flight crew, who also appeared thoroughly excited to be traveling with her.
Upon landing, she wrote her heartfelt thanks to those who enabled her to take her journey into the skies.
“A flawless journey from start to finish with Turkish Airlines. I have so many people to thank, she continued. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to know the names of many people who helped me with their kindness and dedication for 13 hours in the air for 19 hours in total and organized a ‘first flight’ celebration above the clouds. This was my first plane ride but it certainly won’t be my last.”
From a young age, Gelgi’s parents taught her that she didn’t have an illness, but a syndrome, and there was nothing that needed to be fixed.
“This is just how I was born and how I am. Thanks to this approach, I never defined myself as a sick person or felt miserable. It also helped me to deal with all the painful words I received from bullies,” she confessed.
Having used a wheelchair since she was young, Gelgi has faced bullies and overcome them. In December 2023, the then 26-year-old announced that she would be featured in LadBible’s “That’s My Beauty” and received an outpouring of love and admiration.
“So wonderful, so beautiful, noble👏😍,” a user said, while another agreed, “Awwwwwn you are so pretty so love your eyes you are one gorgeous woman 😍”
“You look beautiful! I am not sure if I could act either,” someone said.
Among the many challenges she faces because of her condition are some normal activities, such as flying in an aircraft. Gelgi posted about her first journey by plane on Instagram, and her excitement was crystal clear. She posted photos with members of the flight crew, who also appeared thoroughly excited to be traveling with her.
Upon landing, she wrote her heartfelt thanks to those who enabled her to take her journey into the skies.
“A flawless journey from start to finish with Turkish Airlines. I have so many people to thank, she continued. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to know the names of many people who helped me with their kindness and dedication for 13 hours in the air for 19 hours in total and organized a ‘first flight’ celebration above the clouds. This was my first plane ride but it certainly won’t be my last.”
From a young age, Gelgi’s parents taught her that she didn’t have an illness but a syndrome and there was nothing that needed to be fixed.
“This is just how I was born and how I am. Thanks to this approach, I never defined myself as a sick person or felt miserable. It also helped me to deal with all the painful words I received from bullies,” she confessed.
Having used a wheelchair since she was young, Gelgi has faced bullies and had to overcome them. Kids can be especially harsh towards people with visible oddities, and Gelgi had to learn how to deal with a lot of negative comments. Thankfully, her situation nowadays is happier.
In December 2023, the then 26-year-old announced that she would be featured in LadBible’s “That’s My Beauty” and received an outpouring of love and admiration.
“So wonderful, so beautiful, noble👏😍,” a user said, while another agreed, “Awwwwwn you are so pretty so love your eyes you are one gorgeous woman 😍”
“You look beautiful! I am not sure if I could act either,” someone said.
Isn’t Gelgi beautiful and inspiring? Had you heard about her condition before? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones out there to brighten up their day!
