The world's tallest living woman has revealed that her lifelong medical diagnosis was incorrect. Rumeysa Gelgi, 29, stands at a staggering 7 feet 1 inch (2.15 meters). For nearly three decades, she believed her extreme height was caused by Weaver Syndrome, diagnosed when she was a baby in 1997.
Now, the Turkish software developer has announced that specialists believe she actually has Moreno–Nishimura–Schmidt (MNS) Syndrome, an incredibly rare condition with only six documented cases worldwide. In 1997, genetic testing for rare overgrowth syndromes did not exist, forcing doctors to rely on visible symptoms.
Despite advanced DNA testing seven years ago, medical technology could not pinpoint the exact mutation. However, recent breakthroughs in research have finally provided Rumeysa with answers. She said: "After living with what I thought was Weaver Syndrome for 29 years, suddenly hearing a different name attached to my life story naturally takes time to absorb. But regardless of what my syndrome was called in the past, what it is called today, or what it may be called in the future, my mission remains the same. I will continue passionately advocating for people living with MNS, Weaver, and all other similar syndromes."
Growing up, life was not easy for Rumeysa, who was homeschooled due to her health. Cruel strangers would stare, whisper, and point. She recalled: "During childhood, I struggled emotionally with that. I would wonder why people focused so much on what made me different instead of who I was as a person." As she grew older, her mindset shifted. She said: "Today, I no longer allow someone else's limited perspective to define my worth. Differences are not flaws. They are part of human diversity."
Rumeysa has faced severe physical challenges, undergoing major surgeries for a hole in her heart, an umbilical hernia, and scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Thankfully, her supportive parents helped build her confidence, teaching her to appreciate her uniqueness. Her life changed when she caught the attention of Guinness World Records. Today, she holds eight titles, including tallest living woman, largest hands (female), longest fingers (female), and longest ears (female). She said: "Becoming officially recognised by Guinness World Records showed me that what makes someone different can also make them one in a million. If I had not been born this way, I would not hold them."
She credits the organisation with transforming her from "a girl with an overgrowth syndrome" into "the world's tallest living woman." She added: "This distinction carries meaning beyond a title because it reminds me and others that differences can and should be celebrated." Rumeysa now uses her massive global platform to advocate for body diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. She said: "My goal has been to show that being different does not reduce someone's value, potential, or place in society. If someone witnesses my story and feels less alone afterward, then I consider that meaningful success."
