Turkish woman who is over 2.15m named tallest in world

A woman declared the tallest in the world hopes to inspire others to accept themselves.

Rümeysa Gelgi, who stands at 7 feet 0.7 inches (215.16 centimetres), has officially been named the tallest woman alive by Guinness World Records.

Her stature is the result of a condition called Weaver syndrome which, among other things, causes accelerated growth.

The 24-year-old from Turkey said: "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."

This is the second time Gelgi has achieved a world record after being named the tallest teenager alive in 2014, since when she has used her platform to advocate for others with rare conditions.

She mostly uses a wheelchair although she can walk with the help of a walking frame.

Craig Glenday, editor in chief at Guinness World Records, said: "It's an honour to welcome Rümeysa back into the record books.

"Her indomitable spirit and pride at standing out from the crowd is an inspiration.

"The category of tallest living woman is not one that changes hands very often, so I'm excited to share this news with the world."

The tallest man in the world, Sultan Kosen, is also Turkish.

He was measured at 8ft 2.8in (251 centimetres) in 2018.

The tallest woman to have lived was Zeng Jinlian, from China, who was measured at 8ft 1in (246.3 centimetres) before her death in 1982.