By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-21 13:01:29 | Updated at 2024-11-24 02:09:45
2 days ago
The world's tallest and shortest women met for afternoon tea in London to celebrate the 20th annual Guinness World Records Day.
Rumeysa Gelgi, a 27-year-old Turkish web developer standing at 7ft 1in, and Jyoti Amge, a 30-year-old Indian actress measuring 2ft 1in, shared their remarkable stories at The Savoy hotel.
The historic meeting brought together two women who represent opposite ends of the height spectrum, both holding official Guinness World Records for their unique physical attributes.
Gelgi lives with a rare condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes accelerated growth and skeletal deformities. Hers was only the 27th case ever diagnosed, and the first in Turkey.
The pair met today in London
Reuters
She uses a wheelchair and can only stand using a walker for short periods.
Amge has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia and has appeared in the US TV series American Horror Story as Ma Petite.
"I can't travel alone, and I am dependent on my family," Amge told reporters, highlighting the daily challenges she faces due to her height.
Both women face difficulties with everyday activities, including travel and finding suitable clothing.
Despite their stark height difference, the two women discovered they share common interests.
"We both love make-up, self-care, and doing our nails," Gelgi revealed.
"It was difficult for us to make eye contact at times due to our height difference, but it was great," she added.
Amge expressed her joy at the unique encounter: "I'm used to looking up and seeing people taller than me but I was so happy to look up today and see the world's tallest woman."
They have been honoured as Guinness World Record icons
Reuters
"I'm delighted that I've met Rumeysa, she is so good-natured, and I felt very comfortable talking to her," Amge said.
Gelgi shared that she had been watching videos of Amge for 10 years, making their meeting particularly special.
Both women expressed their desire to inspire others who may feel different.
"We are aiming to inspire people with visible differences to find the courage to show themselves. I want to make people see that being different is okay," said Gelgi.
Amge added that she hoped "people in society will be inspired by us to feel more like themselves."
The pair have been honoured as Guinness World Record icons in the book's 70th anniversary edition.
They feature alongside other notable record holders including Diana Armstrong, who has the world's longest fingernails, Sultan Kosen, the world's tallest man, and disabled strongman Dave Walsh.
