World's tallest and shortest women meet for first time. Watch video

On Wednesday, the world's tallest woman, Rumeysa Gelgi, and the world's shortest woman, Jyoti Amge, met for the first time at The Savoy Hotel in London. The meeting was part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Guinness World Records and the 20th anniversary of Guinness World Records Day. The two women shared afternoon tea, exchanged life stories, and celebrated their unique places in the record books.

Rumeysa Gelgi, a 27-year-old web developer from Turkey, stands at an impressive height of 215.16 cm (7 ft 1 in). She holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's tallest woman. Gelgi's extraordinary height is due to a rare condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes accelerated growth and skeletal deformities. Her case was only the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey. Gelgi uses a wheelchair and can stand using a walker for short periods of time.

Jyoti Amge, 30, from India, is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's shortest woman, measuring just 62.8 cm (2 ft 1 in). She suffers from achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism that affects bone growth. Despite her condition, which results in short limbs and a large head with a protruding forehead, individuals with achondroplasia have normal intellectual and reproductive abilities. Amge works as an actress and is best known for her role as 'Ma Petite' in the American television series "American Horror Story".

During their meeting, Gelgi and Amge discovered that despite being at opposite ends of the height spectrum, they shared many common interests. Gelgi mentioned, "We do have things in common; we both love make-up, self-care, and doing our nails," according to The Scottish Sun. Amge echoed this sentiment, expressing, "I'm delighted that I've met Rumeysa, she is so good-natured, and I felt very comfortable talking to her. Thanks to Rumeysa's warm and sincere attitude, I felt very comfortable," as reported by The Scottish Sun.

The first time that Rumeysa Gelgi, the world's tallest woman, met Jyoti Amge, the world's shortest woman ️#GWRDay pic.twitter.com/uSLqIHZlKG

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) November 21, 2024

Amge also shared her feelings about the meeting, saying, "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," as reported by The Sun. Gelgi expressed her joy as well, stating, "It was so amazing meeting Jyoti for the first time," according to The Sun. Despite their significant height difference, the two found they had much in common and enjoyed each other's company. During their time together, they exchanged life stories and experiences, discovering many common points.

The meeting was in celebration of the upcoming 20th annual Guinness World Records Day, observed every year on November 16, which brings people together to break or set new records. Both women have been honored as Guinness World Record icons in the book's 70th anniversary edition. They feature alongside other record holders such as Diana Armstrong, who has the world's longest fingernails at 42 feet 10 inches, and Sultan Kösen of Turkey, recognized as the world’s tallest man.

Craig Glenday, the editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, stated, "The Guinness World Records Icons are those record holders who truly embody the spirit of GWR," according to The Sun. "The Guinness World Records Icons is all about celebrating differences," he added. Glenday noted that record holders come from various fields, including science, technology, sports, and the arts, and are dedicated individuals seen year after year.

The 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book also honors other iconic record holders. Maci Currin, a 21-year-old from Texas, holds the Guinness World Record for having the world's longest legs. Her legs measure 53.3 inches and 52.8 inches each, and she stands at 6 feet 10 inches tall. Currin has gained popularity on TikTok by sharing clips that showcase her extraordinary height.

Brittany Lacayo, from Houston, Texas, has won the Guinness World Record for the world's widest tongue. Her tongue measures 7.90 cm (3.11 inches) at its widest point, which is nearly four inches and almost the same width as a credit card. Lacayo is often pictured balancing heavy snacks on her tongue and can hold up to four lollipops in her mouth.

The meeting between Gelgi and Amge highlights the celebration of human diversity and the unique stories behind each record holder. As Craig Glenday noted, "The Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences," according to The Scottish Sun. Despite their physical challenges, both women refuse to let them hold them back, embracing their uniqueness and inspiring others around the world.

The Independent, The Sun, and Sky News were among the outlets that reported on the meeting.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq