For all enquiries contact: tallestman@guinnessworldrecords.com.

26-year-old part-time farmer Sultan Kosen, who measures a staggering 8ft 1 in (246.5 cm) in height, has been handed the hallowed title of new ‘tallest man in the world’.

Craig Glenday, Editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said: “Sultan is the first man over 8 ft (2.43 m) to be measured by Guinness World Record in over 20 years. Indeed, we know only of 10 confirmed or reliable cases in history of humans reaching 8 ft or more. To be totally sure of Sultan’s height, I travelled to Turkey in February this year to measure him personally. He’s an imposing figure, towering above all others, but at the same time a gentle, quiet man who’s totally relaxed and unfazed about his unique standing in the world. It’s a pleasure to welcome him into the Guinness World Records family.”

Appearing in front of the world’s press for the very first time, Sultan from Mardin, South-East Turkey declared ‘I never imagined I would be in the book, I dreamed about it, but it was still a huge surprise’.

Sultan is one of five, three brothers and one sister, and his family, including his mum and dad, are all ‘normal’ sized. Because of his extreme height he was never able to finish school but works occasionally as a farmer to support his family. He describes one of the advantages of being tall as being able to help out his mum out with jobs such as changing a broken light bulb and hanging curtains. Disadvantages to his height he lists include not being able to find clothes or shoes that fit or finding it extremely hard to fit into a regular size car.

Like every young man in their twenties, Sultan enjoys listening to music, playing computer games and watching movies.  When asked what he looks forward to by being officially the tallest man, Sultan said, “To travel and see the world and have a car that accommodates my size! My biggest dream though is to get married and have children – I’m looking for love.’”

For all enquiries contact: tallestman@guinnessworldrecords.com

17 September 2009