Turkish-born Rumeysa Gelgi (27), who was confirmed as the tallest woman alive in 2021, met with the world’s shortest woman, Indian-born Jyoti Amge, for afternoon tea in London to celebrate Guinness World Records Day. Gelgi’s trip to London comes a year after she expressed interest in travelling to the UK despite the genetic condition that makes sitting up for longer than two hours at once in a plane impossible.
Rumeysa Gelgi, who was born in Turkey in 1997, was diagnosed with Weaver Syndrome at four months old. Weaver Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes bone overgrowth. There are only 50 confirmed cases globally. Gelgi, who was already 5 feet and 8 inches tall at 6 years old, became the tallest teenager in the world in 2014, measuring 7 ft 0.09 inches. In 2022, she became the Guinness record holder for the tallest woman alive, measuring at 7 ft 0.7in.
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Gelgi, a web developer, moved to California last year to pursue her career in Silicon Valley. She is unmarried. Her parents Safiye Gelgi and Haydar Gelgi, both of average height, reside in Turkey. Gelgi uses the Guinness World Record title of tallest woman alive to raise awareness about Weaver Syndrome on social media, boasting 54,000 Instagram followers.
Rumeysa Gelgi moved to California last year
Rumeysa Gelgi, who was homeschooled due to her physical condition, detailed her experience growing up with Weaver syndrome in Guardian last year. At the time, she wrote:
“I knew I looked different from other people. I felt like a child trapped inside an adult’s body. When I was six, I was already 5ft 8in tall. As a social norm, people expect men to be bigger and taller than women; this makes things very difficult for tall women, and I find it upsetting.”
Gelgi, who also described herself as a very ambitious person, revealed she took a plane for the first time to move to California to pursue a career in tech. Gelgi, who cannot sit up for more than two hours at a time due to spinal curvature, joint problems and muscle issues stemming from the genetic disorder, said an airline allowed her to book six seats in the economy section for a stretcher. After moving to California, Gelgi expressed interest in travelling to the UK. It appears Gelgi did achieve her goal.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, the BBC shared a video of Rumeysa Gelgi and Jyoti Amge meeting for the first time for high tea in Savoy Hotel London for the 20th annual Guinness World Records Day.
Jyoti Amge, who measures just 62.8 centimeters (2 feet 0.7 inches), is an actress and media personality born in India. She has achondroplasia, a rare bone growth disorder that affects the arms and legs.
The two inspiring women said they were pleased to meet each other for the first time.
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