World’s tallest woman (24) opens up about her life
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands tall not just in stature but as a symbol of resilience and positivity. A web developer, crime novel enthusiast, and the reigning titleholder of not one, but five Guinness World Records. And she is the world’s tallest woman at 2.15m (7ft 0.7in.) In a conversation with her sister, she revealed a fascination detail about her birth. She was a big baby at a whopping 58.9cm (23.2 inches) and 5.9 kg but the jaw drop came when she said she was a natural, vaginal birth.
The Guinness World Records revealed the story in a short video to which Gelgi commented that it was the doctor’s mistake and she should have been a C-section and it could have been dangerous.
“However all jokes aside it was the doctor’s mistake. I should have been born with c-section. The birth was too traumatic and life-threatening for both me and mom. This is a reminder that we all should be very careful choosing our doctor!” Gelgi wrote.
What is Weaver Syndrome?
At the epicentre of Rumeysa’s story lies Weaver Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that has shaped her life in unparalleled ways. Born with a predisposition to accelerated growth and advanced bone age, Rumeysa defies the limitations of her condition with grace.
Navigating life with a wheelchair and occasional assistance, she has become a voice for those facing similar challenges, advocating for awareness and understanding around Weaver Syndrome.
She is the first Turkish woman with the syndrome and 27th overall case in history.
Her genetic condition is often hereditary and caused by mutations and malfunctioning in a particular gene – which controls many aspects of the correct functionality of other genes.
She often uses a wheelchair, and sometimes a walker.
Rumeysa’s childhood, marked by surgeries and medical complexities, paints a picture of resilience and familial support. Despite facing hurdles that would daunt many, she emerged triumphant, completing her education through homeschooling and later pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a front-end web developer.
Her many records
Now 24, she is also the former tallest teenager living. She broke the record for the tallest woman living after she turned 18 and followed it up with four more records.
She has four additional records that include: 1. Longest finger on a living female at 11.17cm (4.40 in) 2. Largest hands on a living female: her right hand measures 24.9cm (9.81 in), while the left one measures 24.2cm (9.55 in) and 3. Longest back on a living female at 59.8cm (23.58 in).
Rumeysa actively engages in campaigns, both online and in print, advocating for Weaver Syndrome and Scoliosis. Her message resonates: “Every disadvantage can be turned into an advantage for yourself; accept yourself for who you are, be aware of your potential, and do your best.”
