Turk crowned world's tallest man at 8ft 1in

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-09-17 10:12

LONDON - Making his first ever trip outside his native Turkey to tour London this week, Sultan Kosen is guaranteed a unique view of the English capital -- at more than eight feet tall he will tower above the crowds.

Crowned the world's tallest man Thursday, 26-year-old Kosen stands at 8 feet 1 inch, making him the first person in more than a decade to officially measure over 8 feet, and one of only 10 confirmed cases in history, according to Guinness World Records.

He takes the title from China's Bao Xi Shun who, at 7 feet 8.95 inches, regained the title last year after 8 feet 5.5 inch Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk's claim was discredited when he refused to be independently measured.

Kosen lists being able to see a long way into the distance as one of the main advantages of his height, as well as helping his mum with domestic jobs such as changing light bulbs and hanging curtains.

But he admits finding shoes to fit his 36.5 cm (14.4 inch) feet -- the world's largest -- or big enough clothes, are a disadvantage.

While being able to find a car that accommodates his size is one of Kosen's hopes after receiving the official title, his ultimate quest is romance.

"My biggest dream is to get married and have children," he told reporters. "I'm looking for love."

Kosen's trip was organized to mark the launch of the Guinness World Records 2010 edition, which also features the world's most pierced man -- 78-year-old former British bank manager John Lynch, who has 241 piercings -- and the world's youngest billionaire, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerman, who made his first billion dollars aged 23 years 296 days.