Rumeysa Gelgi, the world’s tallest woman, recently offered a rare glimpse into the challenges and special arrangements required for her air travel. Standing at an extraordinary height of 7 feet 0.7 inches (215.16 cm), Ms. Gelgi travels under uniquely customized conditions to ensure her safety and comfort.
In a video shared by Guinness World Records, Ms. Gelgi documented her journey with Turkish Airlines during trips to the United States and the United Kingdom. To accommodate her height and medical needs, she was assisted by airline staff to board the plane while lying flat on a stretcher. This setup required Turkish Airlines to remove six seats from the aircraft to install a custom stretcher for her journey.
Flying in this manner allows Ms. Gelgi to remain on a flat surface throughout the flight, an arrangement necessitated by her health conditions. She has scoliosis, a condition marked by a severe spinal curvature, for which she has undergone surgery involving two long rods and 30 screws in her spine. This medical condition makes flying on a stretcher the safest option for her.
The journey was made even more memorable by Turkish Airlines staff, who celebrated her first flight experience with a surprise chocolate cake, a gesture Ms. Gelgi described as “so kind and lovely.”
A Rare Condition with Remarkable Challenges
Ms. Gelgi’s exceptional height is attributed to Weaver Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing accelerated growth, advanced bone age, and other complications such as joint mobility issues, breathing difficulties, and limited walking stability. Despite these challenges, Ms. Gelgi uses a wheelchair and walker for mobility and continues to inspire others by sharing her story.
Ms. Gelgi has held the Guinness World Record for her height since 2014, first as the tallest teenager and later, in 2021, as the tallest woman. Her resilience and determination have made her a global symbol of overcoming adversity.
Through her travels and candid revelations, Ms. Gelgi continues to spread awareness about her condition while proving that even the most extraordinary challenges can be met with grace and optimism.
Sources By Agencies
