Sultan Kösen
| Sultan Kösen | |
|---|---|
 Sultan Kösen in Amsterdam |
|
| Born | 10 December 1982 [1] Mardin, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Height | 2.51 m (8 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 168.2 kg (371 lb; 26.49 st)[citation needed] |
Sultan Kösen (pronounced [suɫtɑn køsen]; born 10 December 1982 in Mardin, Turkey) holds the Guinness World Record for tallest living male at 2.51 m (8 ft 3 in).[2]
His growth has resulted from a tumour affecting his pituitary gland. His stature is such that he must use crutches in order to walk.[3]
Kösen lives with his parents, three brothers and sister, who are all of normal height. He was unable to complete his schooling because of his height and works part-time as a farmer.[4] Despite his height he claims to enjoy a normal lifestyle and enjoys playing computer games with his friends.[5] He describes the advantages of being tall as seeing a great distance, being able to help his family with domestic jobs such as changing light bulbs and hanging curtains. He lists disadvantages as not being able to find clothes (inside leg measuring 44.5 inches (113 cm) and sleeve length measuring 38 inches (97 cm)[6]) or shoes (size 28)[citation needed] that fit or finding it extremely hard to fit into a regular sized car.
Kösen has undergone Gamma Knife treatment for his pituitary tumour at the University of Virginia Medical School and has also been provided with medication to control his excessive levels of growth hormone. Although the full effect of the treatment takes up to two years, as of 2011, his hormone levels were almost normal.[3]
[edit] Records
Kösen's height was recorded at 2.47 m (8 ft 1 in) in his home country by Guinness World Records, on 25 August 2009, overtaking former world record holder Bao Xishun who stands 2.36 m (7 ft 8.9 in) tall.[7] Kösen also holds the current Guinness record for the largest hands at 27.5 cm.[7]
On 9 February 2011, Kösen was measured by Guinness at 2.51 m (8 ft 3 in).[2]
| Preceded by Bao Xishun |
Tallest Recognized Person September 17, 2009 – |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by Matthew McGrory |
World's largest feet on a living person 25 August 2009 – 24 May 2011 |
Succeeded by Brahim Takioullah |
[edit] References
- ^ Guinness World Records 2009 page 73
- ^ a b "Tallest man - living". Guinness World Records. http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1/tallest-man-living-/. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
- ^ a b Bodyshock: World's Tallest Man: Looking for Love at channel4.com broadcast 26 May 2011
- ^ "World's tallest man longs for love". The Age (Melbourne). 2009-09-17. http://www.theage.com.au/world/worlds-tallest-man-longs-for-love-20090917-fto4.html. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^ "My date with the world's tallest man Sultan Kosen". The Daily Mirror. 2009-09-18. http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/sex-health/sex-and-relationships/2009/09/18/very-tall-dark-and-handsome-115875-21682399/. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
- ^ "A Suit That Fits the World's Tallest Man". A Suit That Fits. http://www.asuitthatfits.com/shop/index.php?option=com_myblog&task=tag&category=World+Tallest+Man&Itemid=370. Retrieved 2011-09-20.
- ^ a b "World's tallest man over 8ft high". BBC. 17 September 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8259728.stm. Retrieved 2009-09-17.
