Top 10 Tallest Woman in the World

When we talk about height, most people imagine tall men, basketball players, or athletes. But many women also stand out for their extraordinary height, often breaking records and attracting global attention. The tallest women in the world not only amaze us with their unique physical features but also inspire us with their stories, challenges, and achievements.

In this article, we will explore the Top 10 Tallest Women in the World, their background, life stories, and how their unusual height shaped their careers and lives.

Top 10 Tallest Women in the World

1. Rumeysa Gelgi – 7 ft 0.7 in (215.16 cm)

Rumeysa Gelgi from Turkey currently holds the title of the world’s tallest living woman. She was born in 1997 and suffers from Weaver syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes rapid growth.

Despite her height, Rumeysa has used her recognition to spread awareness about rare medical conditions and promote body positivity. She holds several Guinness World Records, including being the tallest teenager and tallest living woman. Rumeysa often uses a wheelchair for mobility but continues to inspire millions around the globe.

2. Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever – 8 ft 2 in (249 cm)

Known as the “Giantess of Edam”, Trijntje Cornelisdochter Keever from the Netherlands was the tallest woman ever recorded in history. She was born in 1616 and grew to an astonishing height of 8 feet 2 inches (249 cm) before her death at age 17.

Trijntje’s height was the result of gigantism, a condition caused by excess growth hormones. Even though she lived a short life, she remains one of the most fascinating historical figures when it comes to extraordinary height.

3. Sandy Allen – 7 ft 7 in (231 cm)

Sandy Allen from the United States was recognized as the tallest woman in the world during her lifetime. She stood at 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm).

Born in 1955, Sandy became famous worldwide and even appeared in films and television shows. She used her fame to spread awareness about acromegaly, the hormonal disorder that caused her height. Sandy passed away in 2008, but her legacy as one of the tallest women ever remains strong.

4. Yao Defen – 7 ft 8 in (233 cm)

Yao Defen from China was another extraordinary woman who stood at 7 feet 8 inches (233 cm). She was recognized as the tallest living woman by Guinness World Records during her lifetime.

Born in 1972, Yao Defen suffered from a pituitary gland tumor that resulted in gigantism. Despite facing several health challenges, she captured global attention and appeared on various international media platforms. Yao Defen passed away in 2012 but remains one of the most famous tallest women in history.

5. Zeng Jinlian – 8 ft 1.75 in (248 cm)

Zeng Jinlian from China holds the record as the tallest woman in modern history. She reached an incredible height of 8 feet 1.75 inches (248 cm) before her death in 1982.

She was born in 1964 and, like others on this list, suffered from gigantism. Zeng faced numerous health complications due to her extraordinary size but is remembered as one of the tallest humans ever recorded.

6. Uljana Semjonova – 7 ft 0 in (213 cm)

Uljana Semjonova from Latvia is not only one of the tallest women in the world but also one of the most successful athletes. Standing at 7 feet 0 inches (213 cm), she was a legendary basketball player during the 1970s and 80s.

She represented the Soviet Union in multiple international tournaments, winning two Olympic gold medals and numerous championships. Her towering presence on the court made her nearly unbeatable, and she is remembered as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time.

7. Maria Feliciana dos Santos – 7 ft 4 in (223 cm)

Maria Feliciana dos Santos from Brazil is another incredibly tall woman, reaching 7 feet 4 inches (223 cm). Born in 1946, she became widely recognized in South America as the tallest woman in the region.

Her height drew significant media attention, and she was often invited to events and shows. Maria’s extraordinary stature made her a well-known figure in Brazil and beyond.

8. Rita Miniva Besa – 7 ft 2 in (218 cm)

Rita Miniva Besa from Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s tallest women, standing at 7 feet 2 inches (218 cm). Her unusual height was the result of gigantism caused by hormonal imbalance.

Rita became famous for her height in her local community and appeared in various cultural and sports-related events. Her story is an example of how unique features can turn someone into a source of fascination and respect.

9. Caroline Welz – 6 ft 9 in (206 cm)

Caroline Welz from Germany is one of the tallest living women in Europe. She stands at 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) and works as a model and actress.

Caroline’s height made her a popular figure in the fashion and entertainment industry, where she embraces her unique appearance. Unlike many others on this list, Caroline’s tall stature is not due to a medical condition but rather natural genetics.

10. Gitika Srivastava – 6 ft 11 in (211 cm)

Gitika Srivastava from India is one of the tallest women in Asia, standing at 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm). She was a professional basketball player and represented India in international tournaments.

Her height gave her a natural advantage in sports, and she became a key player for the Indian women’s basketball team. Gitika later moved to the United States, where she continues to inspire young athletes.

Challenges Faced by Extremely Tall Women

While height is often admired, being extraordinarily tall comes with unique challenges:

• Health Issues: Many of these women suffer from medical conditions like gigantism or acromegaly, leading to joint pain, mobility issues, and other complications.

• Social Challenges: Standing out in a crowd can lead to unwanted attention, curiosity, or even discrimination.

• Daily Life Difficulties: Finding clothes, shoes, and even furniture suitable for their height is often difficult.

Positive Impact and Inspiration

Despite these challenges, the tallest women in the world inspire others with their resilience and achievements:

• Sports Careers: Many, like Uljana Semjonova and Gitika Srivastava, excelled in basketball.

• Awareness: Women like Sandy Allen and Rumeysa Gelgi used their fame to raise awareness about rare conditions.

• Representation: Models like Caroline Welz prove that unique features can be celebrated in the fashion world.

Final Thoughts

The tallest women in the world are more than just records in history books — they are individuals with stories of courage, perseverance, and inspiration. From the historic figure of Trijntje Keever to the current Guinness record holder Rumeysa Gelgi, these women remind us that human diversity is extraordinary.

Their remarkable heights may set them apart, but their determination, achievements, and resilience make them unforgettable.