A woman who has said she wants to 'empower' and 'inspire' others with visible differences has explained that she said it's 'unique' to be her height - telling of the great experiences she's had thanks to her towering stature.
Rumeysa Gelgi, 25, loves the fact that she measures 7ft 0.59 inches as it's 'awesome when you go to a concert' and are able to see everything.
Originally from Turkey, but now living in the US, she is the current holder of the Guinness World Record title of tallest woman in the world after being born with Weaver syndrome – a rare genetic condition that causes bone overgrowth.
She received her first award in 2014 when she became the world's tallest teenager alive when she was 17 and standing tall at 7ft 0.09 inches.
In May 2021, she was measured again upon reaching adulthood, where she scooped another record – the world's tallest living woman.
Rumeysa said: "Being so tall has both amazing and awful sides – it can make you multiple world records holder and wheelchair-bound at the same time.
"I am one of those people who focuses on the positive sides and makes the most of it.
"It makes me insanely unique and I love it. Plus, [being so tall] is awesome when you go to a concert or cinema."
Rumeysa's health has suffered as a result of her stature, however, but she does focus on the good.
She continued: "I've had to have serious surgeries and treatments to fix these [issues]. I am using a wheelchair most of the time and only can walk with a walker.
"I also was bullied when I was younger because of the differences Weaver syndrome has brought me."
Weaver syndrome can make people very tall, and have distinct facial features, including wide-set eyes, and potentially physical disabilities.
She explained there are many positives though, saying: "I am still taller than most people while I am sitting, so I can reach higher places easily and help them."
Rumeysa said despite the positives, a downside is that she sometimes struggles to go shopping as she often cannot find things that fit properly, saying she often has to 'wear dresses as tops', and her 'pants and leggings are custom-made by a tailor'.
Luckily, despite any challenges the record holder faces, she has a support system behind her.
Rumeysa said: "[My family and friends] are always motivating and helping me to reach my goals.
"I owe my positive attitude to my parents, to an approach that they taught me when I was so young. I am so grateful for having them in my life.
"Even most of the public are very kind and lovely. There have been times that I encountered awkward reactions, especially when I was young.
"However, after I received my first ever Guinness World Records title in 2014, people started to show me their appreciation and encouragement.
"I am hoping to inspire and empower others with visible differences and make them realise that they are not alone in their journey."
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