World’s Tallest Man Finds Life A Challenge

Leonid Stadnik is a man who makes a towering impression wherever he goes. And he doesn’t have to do anything to accomplish it. That’s because the Podolyantsi, Ukraine native has officially been proclaimed the world’s tallest human being by the Guinness Book of World Records.

At an astounding 8’5″, Stadnik towers around everyone and everything he comes near. Doctors believe his spurt began after a brain operation that stimulated the overproduction of growth hormone when he was just 14 years old. Now years later, at age 37, he’s still growing.

But while his height has helped him achieve fame, it’s also left him miserable and struggling to cope in a world unprepared for a giant. He has trouble finding shoes and clothes that will fit his frame. The veterinarian suffered frostbite when he was forced to walk to work in his socks, because he couldn’t afford the footwear to fit his 17-inch feet. He was finally forced to quit his job.

He has to stoop everytime he wants to pass through a doorway, because they’re simply not high enough for him.

He can’t ride in a car because he can’t fit inside one.

And at 440 pounds, he often has to walk on crutches, because of constant knee pain.

But Stadnik’s fame also has a reverse side. He’s become so well known that strangers feel compelled to help him out.

A German man who claimed to be a distant relative flew him to his country for his first restaurant meal – frog’s legs – and his first roller coaster ride.

A local Internet provider surprised him with a home computer and web connection for free, allowing him to establish email friendships with people overseas.

A charity arranged to build him a giant bike, so he could pedal around his hometown and go to the grocery store.

And Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko not only had his personal tailor outfit Stadnik with two specially made suits, but arranged to have a special car made for him (top left) so he could drive around and not be stuck at home.

Overall, the world’s tallest man, who some say displays a child-like affability, tries to do his best in a world where he knows he will always stand out. “I have always dreamt that my life and the life of my loved ones … would become more comfortable,” he explains of the kindness of strangers. “My dream is coming true.”

Stadnik lives at home with his 66-year-old mother and his 42-year-old sister. His life now consists of taking care of the property, the garden and his family’s three cows, one horse and various pigs and chickens.

But he has one goal left in mind and like so many things in his life, it may be a tall order. He’s hoping to someday get married. “I think,” he says, “the future holds that for me.”

Photo credit: Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images