World's Tallest Man Loses Title for Not Playing by Guinness' Rules
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Guinness World Records has taken the title of world's tallest man away from Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk because he has continually refused to be measured in accordance with the publication's guidelines, Reuters reported
The title now reverts back to China's Bao Xishun, who stands at 7 feet, 8.95 inches. Stadnyk stands 8 feet 5.5 inches tall.
Bao was measured under Guinness' new rules, which required him to be measured six times in one day — both standing and lying down. Stadnyk's title was previously awarded based on a statement from his doctor, according to the report.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, told Reuters that the publication has asked Stadnyk since about 2004 if they could measure him, but he has refused and isn't interested in the publicity. "Whether or not that's the real reason ... I'm not sure, but that's what he's told us," Glenday said.
Stadnyk's growth has been attributed to a tumor on his pituitary gland that stimulated over-production of a growth hormone, according to the report. Doctors have been unable to explain the growth spurt that led to Bao's 7-foot, 8.95-inch height.