World's tallest man longs for love

Writer: AFP
Published: 16/09/2009 at 10:32 PM

The world's new tallest man, measuring two metres 46.5 centimetres (eight feet one inch), said he was looking for love as he was presented by Guinness World Records in London on Wednesday.

Sultan Kosen, 26, blotted out the iconic Tower Bridge as he posed for photographs on the banks of the River Thames in his first ever trip outside his native Turkey.

He takes over the title from China's Bao Xishun, who stands 'just' 2.36 metres (seven feet 8.95 inches).
The Turk also has the world's largest hands and largest feet, measuring 27.5 centimetres (10.8 inches) and 36.5 centimetres (14.4 inches) respectively.

And his giant hands dwarfed those proffered by amazed wellwishers as he turned heads in London, while reporters strained to get their microphones within reach of his head.

Kosen was unable to complete his schooling because of his extreme height, but works occasionally as a farmer to support his family.

He said he hoped his newfound celebrity status would enable him "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,'' he said. Read more...