It doesn’t happen every day that the tallest and shortest in the world meet – and, when such different realities collide, it’s always magical.
On the occasion of the 20th annual Guinness World Records Day, Jyoti Amge and Rumeysa Gelgi (respectively the shortest and tallest women living) celebrated their first meeting with a lush afternoon tea at The Savoy Hotel, in the heart of London.
The two women, who embody some of the most loved and iconic titles at Guinness World Records, were looking forward to spending a lavish “girls’ day out” together.
They got to know each other during a relaxing morning, enjoying delicious tea and pastries.
Rumeysa is known worldwide as the tallest woman living, standing at 215.16 cm (7 ft 0.7 in), while Jyoti is the shortest woman living (mobile): a title she has proudly held for over a decade, measuring 62.8 cm (2 ft 0.7 in).
Despite a whopping height gap of 152.36 cm (five feet), the two became fast friends as they sipped traditional English tea and bonded over life experiences and a shared love for fashion and self-care.
“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Rumeysa said about the encounter.
“She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
We do have things in common! We both love make-up, self-care, jewellery and doing our nails. – Rumeysa
“I’m used to looking up and seeing people taller than me,” Jyoti added, “but I was so happy to look up today and see the world’s tallest woman.”
Rumeysa added they had a fabulous time talking about their shared hobbies and exchanging make-up and self-care tips.
“It was difficult for us to make eye contact at times due to our height difference, but it was great,” she said.
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” commented Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday, who was present during the exceptional meeting.
By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us. – Craig
At the end of the morning, Craig presented Rumeysa and Jyoti with special certificates.
Acknowledging the two women’s mark on society, the special blue-and-gold certificates celebrated Rumeysa and Jyoti’s status as Guinness World Records ICONS: the cream of the crop of record-breaking achievements.
Although Jyoti confessed that she never thought she would be dubbed an icon, she was delighted about the title.
“I never thought I would be called an ICON and it’s extra special that it is in the 70th-anniversary edition of Guinness World Records,” she said.
“I can’t explain how happy I am!”
Rumeysa confessed: “I’ve seen myself among all these artists and athletes that I’ve always been a fan of – it’s an indescribable feeling.”
I’m delighted that I’ve met Rumeysa. She is so good-natured, and I felt very comfortable talking to her. – Jyoti
Rumeysa: The tallest woman living
Enjoying her first-ever trip to the United Kingdom, Rumeysa couldn’t wait to experience London’s unique vibrancy and tick off her bucket list some sightseeing spots.
Originally from Türkiye, where she lives with her family, the 27-year-old achieved global fame thanks to her record-breaking height: a stature that is fully matched by her drive and relentless efforts to make the world a more inclusive, kinder place.
After being recognized as the tallest teenager living (female) when she was 17, Rumeysa was confirmed to be the tallest woman living in 2021.
Rumeysa’s impressive height is due to a condition called Weaver syndrome, an extremely rare genetic condition that causes bone overgrowth following a mutation of the EZH2 gene.
Doctors have only identified about 50 cases of Weaver syndrome worldwide.
Rumeysa was the 27th case ever diagnosed, and the first ever in Türkiye.
Although the record holder has defied stereotypes all her life and faced horrendous bullying, she never allowed hardships and negativity to stop her: as she works as an ambassador for diversity and positivity, her powerful voice continues to inspire and educate the crowds.
Home-schooled, Rumeysa now works as a web designer and actively uses her platforms to raise awareness about her condition.
Rumeysa also proved to be at ease under the spotlight, as she starred as the lead of the biographic Guinness World Records documentary Rumeysa: Walking Tall.
The feature film follows the web developer across the United States, as she discovers new realities and meets fellow amazing individuals in the Guinness World Records family.
Among others, Rumeysa had the chance to get to know the shortest model and the tallest family.
She also amazed fellow record holder Samantha Ramsdell, social media star and the woman with the widest mouth, with stories of her childhood.
But Rumeysa’s records aren’t limited to just her height.
Among other records, she can also flaunt:
- the largest hands on a woman: 24.93 cm (9.81 in)
- the longest back on a living person (female): 59.90 cm (23.58 in)
She also has the longest ears on a person (female).
Jyoti: The shortest woman living
A Hollywood star through and through, the first things you’ll notice about Jyoti are her charisma and signature smile.
Born on 16 December 1993 in Nagpur, India, Jyoti’s height is caused by achondroplasia – a bone growth disorder that affects the arms and legs.
Fairly common among the known forms of skeletal dysplasia, this genetic disorder occurs in the early stages of fetal development and causes short stature, impacting the cartilage tissue that should later form the bones of the child’s arms and legs.
However, as she navigates life and fame, Jyoti continues to prove her bubbly, larger-than-life personality.
The 30-year-old loves make-up and fashion, she pursues her dreams with inspiring confidence and thoroughly curates her social media content for her ever-growing fanbase.
“I do put in a lot of effort in my social media reels,” she said, “and that’s the reason I have a lot of followers.”
After becoming the shortest teenager in 2009, when she was only 15, Jyoti was remeasured in 2011.
During that occasion, she was officially announced as the shortest woman living, measuring 62.8 centimetres (2 ft 3⁄4 in).
The 30-year-old added another record title to her collection after she joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story: Freak Show in the role of Ma Petite, becoming the shortest actress ever.
“Many difficulties arose, however, it was the biggest achievement in my life. I am overjoyed to have worked with them,” she told us about the experience on set.
Fully embracing her role as an ambassador for diversity and talent, Jyoti is no stranger to big travel.
The American Horror Story actress has already visited New York City and London, and she’s been a guest for several editions of Italian’s prime-time TV show Lo Show Dei Record.
In February 2024, she flew to Los Angeles and reunited with fellow record holder Sultan Kösen (Türkiye), the tallest man living.
The meeting in California took place six years after the pair’s first encounter, in 2018, when they had fun taking pictures in front of the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza.
