6 World Tallest Woman in History: Giants Among Us
The World Tallest Women in History: Giants Among Us
Throughout history, extraordinary height has captivated human curiosity, blending awe with scientific intrigue. While gigantism and acromegaly—conditions often linked to excessive growth—have shaped the lives of many tall individuals, a few women have stood out as towering figures, both literally and metaphorically. This article explores the lives of 6 world tallest woman in the world as per recorded history, their challenges, and their legacies.
1. Zeng Jinlian (曾金莲) – China
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 8 ft 1.75 in (248 cm) |
| Lifespan | 1964–1982 (age 17) |
| Notes | World Tallest woman ever verified; suffered from scoliosis; skeleton preserved for research. |
Zeng Jinlian tallest woman of China, born on June 26, 1964, in Yujiang village, Hunan Province, China, holds the record as the world tallest woman ever documented, reaching a height of 246.3 cm (8 ft 1 in) at the time of her death on February 13, 1982.
Early Life and Growth
Zeng’s extraordinary growth began in infancy; by four months old, she exhibited abnormal height progression. She measured 156 cm (5 ft 1.5 in) before turning four and reached 217 cm (7 ft 1.5 in) by age 13. Her hands were 25.5 cm (10 in), and her feet 35.5 cm (14 in) in length.
Health Challenges
Her rapid growth was attributed to a tumor affecting her pituitary gland, leading to excessive production of human growth hormone. This condition resulted in scoliosis—a curvature of the spine—and diabetes, which severely impacted her mobility and overall health.
Death
Zeng’s health deteriorated due to complications from her conditions, leading to her death on February 13, 1982, at the age of 17.
2. Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 8 ft 6.75 in (260 cm) (alleged) |
| Lifespan | 1616–1633 (age 17) |
| Notes | Known as “The Giantess of Edam”; height unverified; featured in a town hall painting. |
Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever the tallest woman of Netherland, affectionately known as “De Groote Meid” (“The Tall Girl”), was born in April 1616 in Edam, Dutch Republic. She is alleged to be the world tallest woman in recorded history, standing 2.55 meters (8 ft 4.4 in) tall at the time of her death at age 17.
Her parents, Cornelis Keever, a Dutch skipper, and Anna Pouwels, showcased her at carnivals to earn a living, attracting attention from notable figures, including King Frederick V and Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia. Trijntje passed away on July 2, 1633, in Ter Veen, Dutch Republic, possibly due to cancer. A life-size painting of her remains displayed in Edam’s town hall, commemorating her remarkable stature.
3. Sandy Allen – United States
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 7 ft 7.25 in (232 cm) |
| Lifespan | 1955–2008 (age 53) |
| Notes | World Tallest woman (American); advocate for gigantism awareness; appeared in documentaries. |
Sandy Allen the tallest woman of the USA, born on June 18, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world tallest woman, standing at 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm). Her exceptional height resulted from a tumor in her pituitary gland, leading to an overproduction of growth hormone—a condition known as gigantism.
Raised by her grandmother in Shelbyville, Indiana, Allen faced numerous challenges due to her stature. Simple tasks like finding suitable clothing and furniture were difficult, and she often felt self-conscious about her appearance. Social interactions were strained, leading to a limited social life.
At 22, Allen underwent surgery to remove the tumor causing her excessive growth, aiming to prevent further health complications. Embracing her uniqueness, she appeared in Federico Fellini’s film “Casanova” (1976) and participated in various television programs, advocating for self-acceptance and educating others about her condition.
In her later years, Allen’s health declined; her legs and back could no longer support her frame, leading to wheelchair use. She spent her final years in a nursing home in Shelbyville, Indiana, where she passed away on August 13, 2008, at the age of 53.
4. Yao Defen (姚德芬) – China
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 7 ft 7.75 in (233 cm) |
| Lifespan | 1972–2012 (age 40) |
| Notes | Briefly held Guinness title for world tallest woman living; faced media exploitation. |
Yao Defen world tallest woman of China, born on July 15, 1972, in Liuan, Anhui province, China, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world tallest woman, standing at 7 feet 7 inches (233.3 cm). Her exceptional height was due to a tumor on her pituitary gland, which led to excessive production of growth hormone, causing gigantism.
Early Life and Growth
Born to poor farmers, Yao’s extraordinary growth became evident early in her life. By the age of 11, she had reached a height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), and by 15, she stood at 6 feet 11 inches (210 cm). Her rapid growth posed significant challenges, both physically and socially.
Medical Challenges
The tumor affecting her pituitary gland was the root cause of her gigantism. In 2002, Yao underwent surgery in Guangdong province to remove the tumor. Despite the surgery, she continued to face health issues related to her condition.
Life and Legacy
Yao’s remarkable stature brought her international attention, and she became a symbol of resilience in the face of medical adversity. She passed away on November 13, 2012, at the age of 40, in her home in China’s eastern Anhui province. The exact cause of her death was not disclosed, but it was noted that she had suffered from complications related to her condition.
Yao Defen’s life highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with gigantism and brought awareness to the medical and social issues associated with the condition.
5. Margo Dydek – Poland
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 7 ft 2 in (218 cm) |
| Lifespan | 1974–2011 (age 37) |
| Notes | World Tallest woman by professional a basketball player; played in the WNBA; passed away from a heart attack while pregnant. |
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Małgorzata Teresa Dydek, known as Margo Dydek, was born on April 28, 1974, in Warsaw, Poland. Standing at 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m), she was the world tallest woman the basketball player globally. Dydek began her basketball career in Poland before moving to France and later the United States.
WNBA Career and Achievements
Dydek was the first overall pick in the 1998 WNBA draft by the Utah Starzz. She played for several teams, including the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Connecticut Sun. Known for her defensive prowess, she remains the WNBA’s all-time leader in blocks.
Post-Playing Career and Untimely Death
After retiring, Dydek coached the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League in Australia. She was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in
6. Rumeysa Gelgi – Turkey
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 7 ft 0.7 in (215 cm) |
| Lifespan | Born 1997 (age 27) |
| Notes | Current world tallest woman; has Weaver syndrome; advocates for disability awareness. |
Rumeysa Gelgi, born on January 1, 1997, in Karabük, Turkey, has garnered international recognition as the world tallest woman, standing at 215.16 cm (7 ft 0.71 in). Her remarkable height is attributed to Weaver syndrome, a rare genetic condition characterized by rapid growth and various physical anomalies.
This condition has necessitated the use of a wheelchair for mobility, though she can walk short distances with the aid of a walker. Beyond her stature, Gelgi has achieved notable academic and professional milestones. She is a Harvard-certified web developer and utilizes her platform to raise awareness about rare genetic disorders and promote body positivity.
Her advocacy extends to public speaking engagements, where she shares her journey to inspire others facing similar challenges. In September 2022, Gelgi embarked on her first airplane journey from Istanbul to San Francisco. Turkish Airlines accommodated her unique needs by modifying six seats to allow her to travel on a stretcher, highlighting both the challenges she faces and the collaborative efforts to overcome them.
In November 2024, during the 20th annual Guinness World Records Day, Gelgi met Jyoti Amge, the world’s shortest living woman, in London. This poignant meeting underscored the beauty of diversity and the strength inherent in embracing one’s unique attributes.
Gelgi’s life is a testament to resilience and advocacy. Through her personal and professional endeavors, she continues to shed light on rare genetic conditions, encouraging a broader understanding and acceptance of individual differences
Medical and Social Challenges
The lives of these women were shaped by both biological and societal factors:
- Health Issues: Gigantism and acromegaly often lead to heart disease, joint pain, and reduced life expectancy.
- Public Fascination: Many faced exploitation as circus attractions or media spectacles.
- Advocacy: Figures like Sandy Allen and Rumeysa Gelgi transformed their visibility into platforms for education and acceptance.
Legacy
These women transcended their physical stature to leave indelible marks on history. From Zeng Jinlian’s medical significance to Margo Dydek’s athletic prowess, their stories remind us of human diversity’s beauty and complexity. As science advances, their lives continue to inform research into growth disorders, offering hope for future generations.
In the words of Sandy Allen: “We’re all different—some tall, some short. What matters is what’s inside.”