My name is Rumeysa Gelgi and I am the Guinness World Records title holder
for the tallest living woman
and the previous holder of the tallest living female teenager.
My height is caused by my extremely rare syndrome
which is called Weaver Syndrome.
Weaver Syndrome is a random genetic mutation.
It is so rare, and I am the first case that I know of in Turkey.
I am the only person in my family who is that tall.
My aunt is a good hard working person, but when she plays with me her childish side comes out.
My family and people around me are very supportive.
And they are so excited and so happy
and of course so proud of me for having this new title.
Some of the most difficult things about being so tall
are especially the health problems
that my syndrome and my height have brought me.
So I was born with some serious physical diseases,
such as scoliosis,
and also I’m a physically disabled person,
who is mostly wheelchair-bound and I can walk only with my walker.
Besides these, sometimes I can find myself in weird situations
related to my height and condition.
Plus, when I was really young,
I had to deal with bullying as well.
Some of the advantages of being so tall are, first of all,
it’s great being a Guinness World Record holder.
I received my first record title in 2014
and, since then, I’m using my title
for advocacy reasons and that’s what I’m really grateful for.
Also, being the only woman with that kind of height
makes me feel really special.
I usually receive kind and supportive comments from people
that I meet for the first time.
And some of them are nice enough to
ask before taking pictures together,
However, sometimes I can receive
weird stares and questions from people as well.
But I believe that is pretty normal,
because my height and condition
makes people intrigued.
To relax, I prefer to have a Netflix and chill night,
especially with my mother.
Going to a night out,
going to a lovely meal with my family,
and also swimming helps me so much to relax.
I’ve never met Sultan Kösen,
but if I had the opportunity of course I would like to.
Mine and Mr Kösen’s diagnoses are totally different.
My height is caused by my very rare genetic syndrome, which is Weaver Syndrome,
and, as far as I know, Mr Kösen’s height is caused by a brain tumour
which was pressuring his hypothalamus.
Having a Guinness World Records title makes me feel
proud, unique,
and motivates me to reach my goals and go further in life.
Being different is not that bad.
It can make you achieve things you never imagined before.
I personally believe that someone can turn their disabilities
into an advantage for themselves.
Accept yourself as who you are
and be aware of your potential
and do your best.