World’s Tallest Woman Speaks Out on Hardships Inherent In Her Daily Routine

Rumeysa Gelgi is internationally recognized as the tallest living woman on the planet, a distinction that distinguishes her and makes her a prominent figure in the rich tapestry of human diversity. Residing in Turkey, Gelgi is a distinctive individual who has not only set records but also serves as an inspiration to those in her midst. However, despite her towering achievements, Gelgi recently shared the challenges embedded in her daily life, revealing that it’s not always a story of unbridled success and happiness.

The difficulty of being a child in an adult’s body

Gelgi’s upbringing deviated from the conventional due to her physical condition, leading to homeschooling during her childhood. At the tender age of 6, she already stood at a remarkable height of 5’8″, confronting societal norms that traditionally dictated men should be taller than women. This expectation placed an additional burden on tall women, a reality that deeply troubled Gelgi.

Attributed to a rare genetic condition known as Weaver syndrome, affecting only 50 individuals worldwide, Gelgi holds the title of the world’s tallest woman. Reflecting on her experience, she expresses feeling like a child trapped inside an adult’s body, encapsulating the challenges posed by her extraordinary stature and the societal expectations surrounding it.

During Gelgi’s infancy, at the tender age of one, she underwent open-heart surgery to address congenital heart issues. Two years later, at the age of three, she once again found herself in the operating room, this time undergoing a procedure to correct an umbilical hernia. The hurdles persisted as Gelgi reached the age of five, necessitating five months of physiotherapy before she could take her first steps, relying on a walker for support.

Gelgi’s medical history resembles a roller coaster ride. In 2013, she underwent two surgeries to address scoliosis. Following these procedures, she has managed to navigate her life without encountering significant health setbacks or requiring extensive treatments. Opting for a proactive approach, Gelgi focuses on maintaining her strength through regular physiotherapy sessions. Nevertheless, despite her resilience, she currently depends on a wheelchair or walker for mobility. In certain situations, she also utilizes custom-made orthopedic shoes to enhance her ability to move.

How she finds clothes to fit her body.

“It wasn’t an easy journey,” she contemplates, reflecting on the path she’s traversed. Being so different from children her age made friendships a challenge, but she made it through. The biggest pillars of support? Her parents and some incredible teachers. Through it all, she discovered a simple truth — with a few adjustments, she could do everything anyone else could.

Life is an ongoing process of adjustment for her, owing to her towering height. Every aspect, from clothing to daily arrangements, requires a personalized touch to accommodate her unique stature. Undoubtedly a challenge, she has, however, uncovered a silver lining — an opportunity to infuse creativity into her wardrobe. Shopping entails a combination of plus-size pieces that she modifies and tailors to impart a unique touch. Dresses transform into tops, and bottoms receive a custom fit — a fashion-forward approach to transforming challenges into personalized statements.

Gelgi relies on her family’s assistance for certain daily activities.

Gelgi engages in hobbies such as swimming and sharing meals with her family, and their pride in her extends beyond her world titles to the awareness she promotes. Given her inability to ride in a car, she opts for travel in a van. Furthermore, her height necessitates custom furniture, as standard options are not suitable.

In contemplating her daily routine, Gelgi emphasizes the crucial role of assistance in navigating various physical tasks due to her unique stature. As the sole tall individual in her family, Gelgi grapples with distinct challenges, particularly related to the health issues associated with her syndrome and height. She openly acknowledges, “I am a physically disabled person,” shedding light on the unique struggles she faces regularly.

Navigating life with exceptional height has presented its own array of challenges for Gelgi, encompassing both physical and social aspects. Particularly when reflecting on her early years, Gelgi frequently encounters peculiar situations. Despite these hurdles, she discovers solace and relaxation in simple pleasures. A favorite pastime involves unwinding with a Netflix binge, crafting a recipe for a laid-back evening. Her inclination to share these moments, especially with her mother, underscores the significance of familial bonds in seeking comfort and support.

She is not married, nor does she have children, but she’s a fulfilled woman.

Gelgi isn’t romantically involved with anyone and doesn’t have children, but she finds the love she yearns for in those who appreciate her and her family, who have instilled in her a unique mindset from a young age. Instead of seeing her condition as a hurdle to overcome, her parents encouraged her to embrace it as an integral part of her identity. This perspective has played a crucial role in shaping Gelgi’s self-image, allowing her to define herself beyond just her health challenges.

Beyond her personal life, Rumeysa Gelgi is a fulfilled individual. She wears multiple hats as a researcher, advocate, and junior front-end developer, currently employed at edX. Holding a certification as a front-end developer, she actively advocates for Weaver syndrome. In addition to her professional pursuits, Gelgi served as a volunteer for Strays Animal at Kirik Kuyruk from 2016 to 2020.

She embraces life with a positive outlook.

Gelgi currently resides in California, immersing herself in the tech world. Proudly serving as a cat mom to Peri, named after the Turkish word for “fairy,” Gelgi faced the challenge of leaving Peri with friends in Turkey. However, she looks forward to bringing her feline companion over to California in the near future. Having fulfilled her dream of flying for the first time, Gelgi eagerly anticipates the adventures that lie ahead and is contemplating a trip to the UK.