Already 195cm Tall at 14... "Was Very Shy"
Born with Genetic Disorder, Marfan Syndrome
Condition Also Affected Abraham Lincoln and Basketball Star Han Ki-beom
A Ukrainian woman who exceeded 2 meters in height at the age of 25 due to a congenital genetic disorder. Photo by Truly, YouTube channel capture.
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] The story of a Ukrainian woman who, due to a congenital genetic disorder, has grown over 2 meters tall by the age of 25 is attracting attention.
According to a video posted on the YouTube channel 'Truly' on the 8th, Lyudmyla Titchenkova (25), who lives in Sevastopol, a port city in Crimea, Ukraine, currently stands at a towering height of 202 cm and has a long neck measuring 18 cm.
Titchenkova draws people's attention wherever she goes due to her tall stature and long neck.
This is because she suffers from Marfan syndrome, a congenital disorder characterized by excessively long fingers, arms, legs, and neck.
In the YouTube video, she said, "The abnormal growth started at the age of 11, causing health problems such as body pain due to rapid bone growth," adding, "By the time I was 14, I was already 195 cm tall, taller than any other child around, which made me very shy."
She continued, "However, by the time I turned 16, my attitude towards my appearance became positive, and I started to think that being different from others was cool."
She revealed old photos of herself with her male friends, saying, "Take a look at how tall I am. They were boys who were considered tall."
Her older sister is also almost as tall as Titchenkova, but it is reported that she does not have Marfan syndrome.
She said, "We sisters are often mistaken for twins. Our hair color, eyes, and lip shapes are different, but we are all tall," adding, "Thanks to my height, I don't need a chair when hanging pictures on the wall, painting the ceiling, or putting up curtains."
However, many people look at Titchenkova with curious eyes because of her height. Especially, some take photos without permission. Regarding this, Titchenkova expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Taking photos secretly is not a good thing."
She also shared a funny episode related to her height. A man sitting next to her on public transportation seriously asked, "I have seven children, and they are all short. I hope at least the youngest grows tall. How can they be as tall as you? Please tell me the secret." She said she could only answer, "I don't know."
Titchenkova is currently satisfied with her appearance. She said, "I don't really care about negative opinions. I really like how I look now, and the people around me like it too. I look forward to the future me," adding, "I am very proud of my harmonious family who supports me. We are very close, and these days I feel we are closer than ever."
Meanwhile, Marfan syndrome, which she suffers from, was widely known because Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, had it.
Many patients with this syndrome are athletes in sports where height is an advantage, such as basketball and volleyball. In Korea, it is reported that former basketball star Han Ki-beom had this disorder.
People with Marfan syndrome commonly exhibit narrow and long faces, very thin and long fingers and toes, and long arms reaching down to the knees. Symptoms such as scoliosis, chest deformities, and flat feet are also commonly observed.
Titchenkova has relatively weak joints and spine, so she receives regular check-ups about three times a year from an endocrinologist.
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