Throughout history, certain individuals have defied the limits of human biology, standing taller than most of their peers and becoming legends in their own right. Among these unique individuals are some extraordinary women, who due to various medical conditions or simply genetic luck, have grown to staggering heights. In this post, we’ll dive into the world of towering women and highlight the top 10 tallest women on record. Not only will we explore their physical stature, but also the remarkable stories behind these women who have made their mark on the world, inspiring many and breaking numerous records.
Let’s explore these incredible stories of women who have stood far above the crowd—literally.
Zeng Jinlian (8 ft 1.75 in / 248.3 cm)
Zeng Jinlian from China holds the title of the tallest woman ever recorded, with a verified height of 8 feet 1.75 inches (248.3 cm). Born in 1964, Zeng’s height was due to a combination of rapid growth syndrome and scoliosis. By the time she was 13 years old, she had already surpassed 7 feet in height. Despite her towering presence, Zeng’s life was cut tragically short as she passed away in 1982 at the young age of 17.
Zeng’s extraordinary height made her a global phenomenon and a medical marvel. Unfortunately, her rapid growth came with several health challenges that made her life difficult. She remains the only woman to have ever reached over 8 feet in height.
Yao Defen (7 ft 8 in / 233.3 cm)
Yao Defen, also from China, stood at 7 feet 8 inches (233.3 cm) and held the title of the tallest living woman in the world until her death in 2012. Her exceptional height was caused by a tumor on her pituitary gland, which led to an overproduction of growth hormone—a condition known as gigantism.
Yao Defen’s journey was filled with hardship due to her medical condition, but she became a household name after being recognized by the Guinness World Records. Despite her health struggles, Yao’s perseverance made her an inspiration to many people around the world.
Sandy Allen (7 ft 7 in / 231 cm)
Sandy Allen, an American woman who stood at 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm), was one of the most famous tall women in the world. Born in 1955, Allen was the tallest woman in the United States for most of her life. Like Yao Defen, her height was a result of a tumor on her pituitary gland causing gigantism.
Sandy Allen used her platform to raise awareness about the struggles of living with excessive height and gigantism. She appeared in numerous television shows, documentaries, and even in films. Allen passed away in 2008, but her legacy continues as one of the most well-known tall women in history.
Malgorzata Dydek (7 ft 2 in / 218 cm)
Malgorzata Dydek, also known as “Margo,” was a professional basketball player from Poland who stood 7 feet 2 inches (218 cm) tall. She is considered the tallest professional female basketball player in the world. Dydek had an illustrious career in the WNBA, where she played for various teams including the Utah Starzz and the Connecticut Sun.
Born in 1974, Dydek was well-known for her incredible skills on the court, particularly her shot-blocking ability. Sadly, she passed away in 2011 after suffering a heart attack. Despite her premature passing, she remains an inspiration in the world of sports.
Uljana Semjonova (7 ft 1 in / 213 cm)
Uljana Semjonova is a retired Latvian basketball player who stood 7 feet 1 inch (213 cm) tall. She was an unstoppable force in women’s basketball, particularly during her time with the Soviet Union’s national team. Semjonova helped her team win multiple gold medals, including two Olympic golds, and she remains one of the greatest female basketball players in history.
Her height gave her a significant advantage on the court, and she became one of the most dominant players in the history of women’s basketball. Even though her height was extraordinary, it was her skill and leadership that truly defined her career.
Maria Feliciana dos Santos (7 ft 4 in / 223.5 cm)
Hailing from Brazil, Maria Feliciana dos Santos stood at 7 feet 4 inches (223.5 cm) and was known as the tallest woman in Brazil during the 1960s. She became somewhat of a local legend, traveling across Brazil to participate in exhibitions and drawing large crowds wherever she went.
Maria Feliciana’s height was attributed to gigantism, and she faced many challenges due to her size. Despite this, she remained a positive figure in her community and became a symbol of resilience. Her legacy lives on in Brazil, where she is remembered as one of the tallest women in the country’s history.
Rumeysa Gelgi (7 ft 0.7 in / 215.16 cm)
Rumeysa Gelgi from Turkey is currently one of the tallest living women in the world, standing at 7 feet 0.7 inches (215.16 cm). She was born in 1997 and holds the Guinness World Record for her height. Gelgi’s stature is due to Weaver syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes accelerated growth.
Despite her medical challenges, Rumeysa has become an advocate for those with rare conditions, using her platform to raise awareness and educate others about her condition. She continues to inspire many with her message of positivity and resilience.
Svetlana Singh (7 ft 2 in / 218 cm)
Svetlana Singh is an Indian woman who stands at 7 feet 2 inches (218 cm) tall, making her one of the tallest women in the world today. Her extraordinary height is matched by her son, who is also remarkably tall for his age. Singh’s towering presence has made her a sensation in India, where she is often referred to as the “Tallest Mother.”
She has used her fame to spread awareness about the challenges faced by tall people, particularly women, and has embraced her unique identity as an example of strength and confidence.
Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever (8 ft 0 in / 244 cm)
Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever, often referred to as “The Giantess of Edam,” was a Dutch woman who lived in the 17th century and was believed to be around 8 feet tall. Although precise measurements from the era are hard to verify, historical records indicate that she may have been the tallest woman ever recorded after Zeng Jinlian.
Keever’s height made her a curiosity in her time, and she was exhibited across Europe at fairs and festivals. Sadly, she passed away at the young age of 17, likely due to the complications associated with her extreme height.
Carolina Welin (7 ft 4 in / 224 cm)
Carolina Welin is a Swedish woman who stands at 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm). Though not as well-known as some of the others on this list, she has drawn attention in Europe due to her incredible height. Carolina’s stature is attributed to a medical condition that has caused her to grow much taller than the average person.
Welin remains a figure of intrigue, and although not a public figure, her story has been featured in various local publications and media outlets across Sweden and Europe.
Challenges and Triumphs of Being a Tall Woman
Women of extraordinary height face many physical and social challenges. From medical conditions like gigantism and Marfan syndrome to difficulties in finding clothes, transportation, and even relationships, their experiences often differ significantly from those of average-sized individuals.
Yet, despite the many challenges, these women have found ways to embrace their uniqueness and use their platforms for good. For some, like Malgorzata Dydek and Uljana Semjonova, their height became an asset that propelled them to professional success, while others like Yao Defen and Sandy Allen used their fame to raise awareness about medical conditions.
Medical Conditions Behind Extreme Height
The towering height of many of the women on this list is often caused by underlying medical conditions. Gigantism, caused by an overproduction of growth hormone, is one of the most common reasons behind extreme height. In many cases, this is due to a tumor on the pituitary gland. Other conditions like Marfan syndrome and Weaver syndrome can also result in abnormal growth.
Medical intervention is often necessary to manage the complications that arise from these conditions. While surgery or hormone treatments can sometimes help, many women continue to face lifelong health challenges.
Conclusion: Standing Tall in the Face of Challenges
The lives of the top 10 tallest women in the world are filled with unique challenges, remarkable achievements, and inspiring stories of perseverance. From basketball legends to Guinness World Record holders, these women have made their mark not just because of their height, but because of their strength, resilience, and the way they’ve used their circumstances to inspire others.
While being among the tallest women in the world comes with its own set of hurdles, it also presents opportunities to make a positive impact. These towering figures have shown that true greatness isn’t just measured in inches, but in the spirit that lies within.
FAQs
1. Who is the tallest woman in history?
Zeng Jinlian of China holds the record as the tallest woman in history, standing at 8 feet 1.75 inches.
2. What causes extreme height in women?
The most common cause of extreme height is gigantism, a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone, often due to a tumor on the pituitary gland.
3. Are there any treatments for gigantism?
Yes, treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, and medication can help control the overproduction of growth hormone, but many individuals still face health challenges.
4. How do tall women deal with daily challenges?
Tall women often face difficulties in finding appropriate clothing, transportation, and sometimes even social acceptance. Many have adapted to these challenges by embracing their uniqueness and spreading awareness.
5. Are there any current records for the tallest living woman?
Yes, Rumeysa Gelgi from Turkey is currently recognized as the tallest living woman, standing at 7 feet 0.7 inches.
