40 Facts About Rumeysa Gelgi

Meet Rumeysa Gelgi: The Tallest Woman Living

Rumeysa Gelgi's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Born on January 1, 1997, in Turkey, she has captured the world's attention with her extraordinary height and advocacy work. Let's explore some fascinating facts about her life and achievements.

1. Rumeysa Gelgi stands at an incredible 215.16 cm (7 feet 0.71 inches), making her the tallest living woman as confirmed by Guinness World Records.

2. Her remarkable height is due to Weaver syndrome, a rare genetic condition causing rapid growth and skeletal anomalies.

3. Diagnosed with Weaver syndrome at birth, her condition was confirmed at the Hacettepe University, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic.

4. Despite her condition, Rumeysa enjoys a supportive family. Her parents and siblings are of average height.

Overcoming Medical Challenges

Rumeysa has faced numerous medical challenges throughout her life, yet she continues to inspire others with her strength and determination.

5. At one year old, she underwent open heart surgery to treat ASD+PDA problems from birth.

6. She also had surgery for an umbilical hernia and spinal deformity during her childhood.

7. Born with scoliosis, Rumeysa underwent extensive physiotherapy and was able to walk for the first time with a walker at five years old.

8. By age 2, Rumeysa had grown to 138 cm (4 ft 6 in).

9. At age 4, she had grown to 82 cm (32.28 in).

10. At age 17, she became the world's tallest teenager (female) at 213.6 cm (7 ft 0.09 in).

Educational and Career Aspirations

Rumeysa's journey in education and career is as inspiring as her personal story. She has turned her challenges into opportunities for growth.

11. She began homeschooling at the age of eight and graduated from high school in 2016.

12. During the COVID-19 quarantine in 2020, she started studying web development.

13. Rumeysa has received various certificates in web development, including one from Codecademy in June 2021.

14. She earned another certificate from the World Wide Web Consortium in September 2021.

15. In November 2022, she received a certificate from Harvard University.

Advocacy and Public Speaking

Rumeysa uses her platform to educate and inspire others, particularly those with rare conditions.

16. She is a vocal advocate for individuals with rare conditions, using social media and public speaking engagements to raise awareness.

17. Rumeysa encourages body positivity, promoting acceptance and understanding of unique physical characteristics.

18. She engages in public speaking events to share her story and inspire others.

19. Her modeling career has provided a platform to advocate for inclusivity in fashion.

Personal Interests and Achievements

Beyond her advocacy work, Rumeysa has a rich personal life filled with hobbies and achievements.

20. In her free time, she enjoys reading crime novels and swimming.

21. On September 28, 2022, she boarded a flight for the first time from Istanbul to San Francisco. Turkish Airlines had to place a stretcher on six chair rows to accommodate her height.

22. Her flight experience was documented in a Guinness World Records documentary titled Rumeysa: Walking Tall.

23. On November 21, 2024, she met Jyoti Amge, the shortest woman in the world, at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Guinness World Records Titles

Rumeysa holds multiple Guinness World Records titles, showcasing her unique physical attributes.

24. She became the world's tallest teenager (female) at 17.

25. In 2021, she was recognized as the tallest woman living.

26. In 2022, she achieved the title for the longest finger on a living person (female) with a length of 11.2 cm.

27. She also holds the record for the longest back on a living person (female) at 59.90 cm.

28. Her hand span of 24.93 cm earned her the title for the largest hands on a living person (female).

Health and Mobility

Rumeysa's condition affects her daily life, but she continues to navigate these challenges with grace.

29. Due to her condition, she often uses a wheelchair and sometimes relies on a walker.

30. She cannot sit in seats under 50–55 cm due to her skeletal structure and maturation issues.

31. She has undergone extensive surgeries, including the fitting of two rods and 30 screws in her spine to correct scoliosis.

Advocacy and Social Impact

Rumeysa's advocacy work has had a significant impact on society, raising awareness and promoting inclusivity.

32. She uses her platform to raise awareness about Weaver syndrome and other rare genetic conditions.

33. Her advocacy work has led to partnerships with various organizations focused on rare diseases.

34. Rumeysa's story has inspired countless individuals to embrace their uniqueness and advocate for themselves.

35. She hopes to collaborate with organizations focused on rare diseases to further educate the public.

36. Rumeysa plans to pursue a career in modeling and public speaking, using her platform to inspire others.

Family and Community Engagement

Rumeysa values her family and community, often engaging in activities that foster support and understanding.

37. She enjoys spending time with her family and siblings, particularly her beloved niece, Zeynep.

38. Rumeysa engages with her community through public speaking events and social media.

39. Her efforts have fostered a supportive environment for individuals with similar experiences.

40. She aims to educate the public about rare conditions through various channels, including public speaking engagements and social media platforms.

Rumeysa Gelgi: A True Inspiration

Rumeysa Gelgi's life is a testament to resilience and determination. Standing at 7 feet 0.71 inches, she holds the title of the tallest living woman, thanks to Weaver syndrome. Despite numerous medical challenges, including scoliosis and multiple surgeries, she has achieved remarkable milestones. From being the world's tallest teenager to earning multiple Guinness World Records, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Her advocacy for individuals with rare conditions and body positivity has made a significant impact. Through public speaking, social media, and modeling, she educates and inspires others to embrace their uniqueness. Her achievements in web development further showcase her versatility and determination.

Rumeysa's story is a powerful reminder that adversity can be overcome. Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to advocate for themselves and others, making the world a more inclusive place.