World's Tallest Woman Takes Her First Ever Flight
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Rumeysa Gelgi has held the record for the "world's tallest living woman" since 2021. The 25-year-old, who stands just over seven feet tall, frequently travels to share her story. But never on an airplane! She is too tall to fit in a standard airplane seat! Gelgi also suffers from a spinal condition and cannot sit for long periods of time. But thanks to Turkish Airlines, she has finally experienced the magic of soaring high above the clouds.
The historic 13-hour journey from Istanbul, Turkey, to San Francisco, California, occurred in September 2022. Turkish Airlines removed six economy seats to fit Gelgi's custom stretcher. In the photos posted on Instagram, Gelgi is seen chatting with the airline staff and enjoying a delicious chocolate cake.
"This was my first plane ride," she said. "But it certainly won't be my last."
The Turkish resident's first brush with fame came in 2014 when she was named the "world's tallest living teenager." Gelgi broke the record for the "world's tallest living woman" in October 2021. She collected three more records in February 2022. They include the "largest hands on a female person," the "longest finger on a female person," and the "longest back on a female person."
Gelgi's remarkable physique is caused by a rare genetic disorder called Weaver syndrome. People with the condition are usually very tall and have unique facial features. Other symptoms include limited mobility of the joints (such as elbows and ankles). They are also prone to falling. Due to her condition, Gelgi primarily relies on a wheelchair to get around.
Gelgi often receives hurtful comments about her unusual appearance. But the 24-year-old has learned to be proud of her differences. She says, "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."
Resources: CNN.com, Guinness World Records, Traveller.com.au, Newsweek.com
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253 Comments
pearl_6052 daysshe is so tall i'm 4 foot 8
holyangel322 daysim 5 foot 6 in 6th grade.
jesus_saves77772 daysYeah I'm 5 4" and in the 7th grade. <3
moon1233 daysshe is really tall i am only around 4 foot 6(>.<)
freerangekid9 daysWell I'm 4 foot 7 and I'm in 4th grade 🙃
melo-mint24 daysGood for her!
hayleigh040926 daysIs it bad to be 5 foot 8 in 6th grade? Trust me it can be bad being tall.- jesus_saves77772 daysUmm...I dont think it is bad being tall but I'm only 5 4" in 7th grade
yiftyyt3 daysim 6ft in 7th
not_mgd18 daysI'm five foot 2 in 6th grade, so that's not so bad
omg-girl57about 1 monthI'm 5" but I'll never be as tall as her
300028694about 1 monthI'm tall but not as tall as her- kajafepomywiabout 1 monthnice