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0:00:17 > 0:00:19- My name is Derwyn Jones.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- After a career playing - rugby at international level...
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- ..I'm now a rugby commentator - and businessman.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- One of the reasons for my success - on the rugby field was my height.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- At six foot ten inches, I'm the - tallest player to represent Wales.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- I've faced a few challenges - because of my height...
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- ..but they're nothing compared to - the life of one man I hope to meet.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- The man I'm referring to...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- ..is Sultan Kosen.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- He is the world's tallest man.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- Welcome to the world of the giants.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- In the modern world, only ten - people have grown to eight feet.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- In September 2009, - Sultan Kosen became one of them.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- At the time, his official height - was eight feet and one inch.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- He was crowned - the world's tallest man.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- One in seven billion.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- With the new title, - Sultan became world renowned...
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- ..but he was hoping - for more than this.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- As a single man, - he hoped all the attention...
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- ..would have brought something - far more important than fame.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- I want to find a wife.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- Soon after this, - Sultan received some bad news.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- You're getting taller.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- You're getting taller.- - This threatened his life.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- The greatest impact is on the heart.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- The heart swells, - the muscles get thicker...
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- ..and the heart can stop beating.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- This is my story and the story - of a man who's even taller then me.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- Sultan Kosen, - the world's tallest man.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- Sultan's life began - in a small village in rural Turkey.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- At eight years of age, - he began to grow uncontrollably.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- In his teens, - he was over seven feet tall.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- Because of his height, - Sultan lost his self-confidence...
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- ..and he retreated to the loneliness - of the family farm.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- He didn't socialize - or leave the farm.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- He lost his childhood.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- But Sultan looked beyond - his lonely existence...
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- ..and with his family's support...
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- ..he applied - to the Guinness World Records...
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- ..to measure him - as the world's tallest man.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- In September 2009, - in a ceremony in London...
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- ..Guinness World Records - unveiled Sultan Kosen...
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- ..as the world's tallest man.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- He gained overnight fame.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- He went from being a shy man - from a lonely farm in Turkey...
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- ..to the front pages - of the newspapers.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- He travelled around the world, - appearing on TV.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- The press followed him everywhere.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- He's prominent on the Internet - with many images of him...
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- ..from his coronation in 2009.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- Contacting him was relatively easy.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- After sending him an email, - I receive a reply almost instantly.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- He invites me to go to Turkey to - meet him after we arrange the date.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- Over a cup of tea, I discussed - meeting him with my wife.
0:04:05 > 0:04:06- Yes, I'm really excited.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- I'm looking forward to looking up - to someone who's taller than me.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- I've never done that before.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- Meeting the world's tallest man, - at eight foot four inches...
0:04:18 > 0:04:19- ..is going to be very special.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- It'll be an unforgettable - experience. He's quite a character.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- What do you think you'll say - to him when you meet him?
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- It's so exciting, - I don't know what I'll say to him.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- Think about the difference in size.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- The difference in height - between Shane Williams and me...
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- ..is the same as me and Sultan.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- I might be speechless, - I might be in shock.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- We'll just see what happens.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- Is Sultan married, - has he got a girlfriend?
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- I don't think Sultan is with anyone.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- He's had a difficult time - finding a partner.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- It's hard enough meeting someone - when you're six foot ten.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- That's one of his main problems - and he lives a lonely life.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- Although the fame transformed - Sultan's life...
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- ..he still dreams of a life - with his own family one day.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- A job, a wife. That's all he wants.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- He's been self-conscious - since he was a boy...
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- ..but with the new title, - his self-esteem has grown.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- He has enough confidence - to visit the Turkish baths.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- This eases the pressure - on the muscles...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- ..that carry his eight-foot frame.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- Sultan's feet are 14.3 inches long.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- They're the longest feet - in the world.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- His hands are 10.8 inches, - again the longest in the world.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- In his first official measurement - by Guinness World Records...
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- ..Sultan was hailed - as the tallest man in 20 years...
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- ..to reach a height of eight feet.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- This is my house. - I'm six foot ten inches.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- I have to crouch down - to walk under door frames.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- Sultan would have difficulty - walking down this corridor.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- His head would probably - touch the ceiling.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- He'd struggle to fit in this house.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- Ankara, the capital city of Turkey.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- 700 miles from the village - where Sultan Kosen was raised.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- Welcome to my home.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- After being crowned - the world's tallest man...
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- ..he received an unexpected gift - from Turkey's Prime Minister.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- The use of a flat - in the capital city.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- He's very proud of his new house.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Moving away from home - and leaving his family...
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- ..meant that Sultan - missed having a partner even more.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- The bedroom.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- The bed is nine feet - and eight inches long.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- Almost ten feet long.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- A giant's bed, according to Sultan.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- The longest bed in the world - but no partner to share it with.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59- Unfortunately, nothing else - in Sultan's house is big enough.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- There used to be a shower here - but it was too small.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- The only way to have a shower - is by sitting down.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- The sink and the mirror are too low.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- As a rugby player, - I had an injury or two...
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- ..but I always recovered.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- For Sultan, - his medical problems are permanent.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- I think he's more familiar - with hospitals than sporting arenas.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- Sultan's received medical treatment - throughout his life.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- These visits have been crucial...
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- ..to see if the tumour he had - is still present.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- Dr Alper Gurlek - became Sultan's doctor in 2008.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- He was very tall - compared to his counterparts...
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- ..when he was seven - or eight years old.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- They discovered a pituitary tumour.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- Sultan's pituitary gland - was damaged when he was a child.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- This resulted in him - producing too many hormones.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- This condition is called gigantism.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- People who have gigantism grow - even when the growth plates close.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- Every part of the body grows, - from the feet to the hands.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- This condition, where parts - of the body grow excessively...
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- ..is called acromegaly.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- His growth hormone - is still in excess state.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- The tips of the bones - begin horizontal enlargement.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- Expansion occurs.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- That's why Sultan has features - of very tall stature...
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- ..and increased size of the limbs.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Even though large hands and feet - are an embarrassment to Sultan...
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- ..they don't threaten his life.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- In comparison to Sultan's hand, - it's very small.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- Both the sizes - of the fingers and the palm...
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- ..you see this area of the palm, - it's very great.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- It's very huge.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- He's become used - to medical examinations like this.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- However, acromegaly causes the - internal organs to grow excessively.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- That is life-threatening.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- All the organs are enlarged...
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- ..because the growth hormone - affects all the internal organs.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- The heart, liver, tongue, - whatever you think.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- Heart failure may occur at the end.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- Sultan has had numerous operations - to stop his growth...
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- ..by removing the tumour - in his brain.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- Often, the tumour is very large. - It causes problems for the surgeon.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- He's had three operations, - X-ray treatment...
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- ..and he's still taking two drugs.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- When the doctor examined - Sultan's blood sample...
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- ..he could see that hormone levels - remained at dangerously high levels.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18- This is bad news.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- Unfortunately, despite both - medical therapy and radiotherapy...
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- ..he still has growth hormones - in excess state.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- Now we are dealing - with that problem.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- Sultan was concerned - about the blood test results.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- He says he cried for hours - when he was alone.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Behind the title - World's Tallest Man...
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- ..I think there's an affectionate - and lonely man.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- It's hard to imagine - the type of life he has lived.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- In and out of hospitals - throughout his life.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- I also had medical problems - because of my height.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- How do my medical problems - compare to his?
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- I'm in Cardiff Arms Park - visiting one of my former clubs.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- I'm meeting orthopaedic - specialist Daniel Lewis...
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- ..to learn more - about Sultan's condition...
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- ..and discuss some of the - medical problems I've encountered.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- Mr Lewis, thank you for spending - some of your time with us.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- I'm very tall, - but why is Sultan as tall as he is?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Tell me more about his condition.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Sultan has a medical problem - called acromegaly.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- The tumour on his pituitary gland - produces excess hormones...
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- ..especially the growth hormone.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- He keeps on growing.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- I'm six foot ten inches. - Wales is a nation of small people.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01- What happened to me?
0:13:02 > 0:13:07- Within any population, there are - variations between people's heights.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- Some are short and there's - a broad spectrum to the tallest.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Most people are in between.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- I grew far taller - than anyone in school.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- I had problems with arthritis in - my knees, called Osgood Schlatters.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- It's a condition named - after two doctors...
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- ..working at the turn - of the last century.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- Boys, normally in their teens, have - pain and swelling in their knees.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- I had a lot of problems but - very little when compared to Sultan.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- No, a little different.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- After the break, - Sultan's story moves to London...
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- ..where he'll visit - the Guinness World Records.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- He'll be measured again to see if - he remains the world's tallest man.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58- .
0:14:02 > 0:14:02- Subtitles
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- My name is Derwyn Jones.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- I'm hoping to visit Sultan Kosen - in Turkey.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- He's the world's tallest man.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- He's held the record since 2009.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- In 2010, he returned to Guinness - World Records to be measured again.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Sultan was hoping to set - a new record.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44- Sultan is so much taller than - any of the recent claims we've had.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- I think he's only the eleventh - person in history over eight foot.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- This measurement - won't be official...
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- ..but it will show if Sultan has - grown since the first measurement.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- He was eight foot once inch.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Ideally, we would measure height - with a stadiometer...
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- ..which is a sliding wooden scale...
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- ..but they don't make stadiometers - big enough in any country.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- I haven't seen one - big enough anywhere.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- We mark the height on the wall.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- In theory, - we'd do this three times a day.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- We'd take the average - of the six measurements.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- You get smaller as the day goes on - because your spine compresses.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- If Sultan has grown...
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- ..the last operation to remove the - pituitary gland tumour has failed.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- The eight foot mark here. The - maximum height on average is here.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- It's two inches taller - than we expected.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- The measurement this morning - may have been eight foot three.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- You're getting taller.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- This is good news for his record...
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- ..but the extra growth - causes great concern.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- If the tumour that caused the - excess growth is still present...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- ..this could mean - that Sultan continues to grow.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- The greatest threat is that - the internal organs are growing too.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- This could cause his death.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- After 27 years - of medical problems...
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- ..he wants to live - a healthy life like normal people.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- Despite the bad news...
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- ..Sultan is willing to be measured - for a new world record.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- We often find - with the tallest man category...
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- ..other associated records.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- The tallest man usually has - the biggest hands, the biggest feet.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- I'm going to try two records today.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- One is the span, a new record. - The pinky to the thumb.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- And also the classic wrist to tip.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- We already know that Sultan has - the biggest hand in one direction.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- How big is he the other way - and has he got any bigger?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- He has a few inches on me!
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- I can feel you straining. That's it.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- Exactly one foot, twelve inches.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- It's a one-foot hand.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- Congratulations.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Sultan is the first person - to be measured...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- ..by the Guinness World Records - in this category.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- There's no record to beat.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- It's a new Guinness World Record. - Well done.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- Sultan now has the record - for the longest and widest hands.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36- And a half, 29cms. - It's a wee bit bigger actually.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- You were 27.5 before.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Now you're 29. Bigger.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- Craig has also discovered - that Sultan's still growing.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- This is not good news - and the disappointment is evident.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- Sultan's hands have grown an inch - in nine months.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- The signs all point - to one conclusion.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- The tumour is still there...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..forcing the body - to produce excess hormones.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- After receiving the bad news - back in 2010...
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- ..Sultan received - some unexpected luck.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- A specialist in America heard - about him and offered to help him.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- I wonder if this assistance - will stop Sultan growing?
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- In 2010, Sultan visited - the Virginia Medical Hospital...
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- ..for an MRI scan on his brain.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- I've reviewed Mr Kosen's history - and notes...
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- ..from his previous physicians.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- I'm very concerned about him.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- Although he's had - excellent treatments...
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- ..he still has high hormone levels - which can damage his entire body.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- At the time, - this was bad news for Sultan.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- The tumours are often large - and they invade areas...
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- ..that the surgeon cannot go into.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- Sultan's been fortunate - to have this examination...
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- ..through the kindness - of the hospital.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- The facilities in America - are far better than those in Turkey.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- Right now, we're doing imaging - of the entire brain...
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- ..and I'm making sure first off - that he's holding still enough.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- We're setting up select slices - going through the pituitary gland.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- The scanner is too small for Sultan.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- He's having trouble staying still.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Make sure he's OK. - He's moving his legs around.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- Talk right into the speaker - and make sure he's OK.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- The medical staff notice - that Sultan is irritable.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- The back is getting a little numb.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13- Continue?
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- Continue?- - He said he's going to hold on.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- Sultan was very uncomfortable - inside the scanner.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- To help him, they needed a detailed - picture of his condition.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- Nobody knows...
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- ..how much he has suffered.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42- During his life...
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- ..he's gone through this - painful process time after time.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- What about the scan results? - Dr Sheehan explains.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- I believe the tumour on the left - is fairly invasive...
0:21:01 > 0:21:06- ..to both the left - and the right cavernous sinus.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- After discovering that some - of the tumour remains...
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- ..the hospital offered Sultan - an operation free of charge.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19- Sultan soon returned to America - for gamma knife surgery.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- I would treat - the entire pituitary region.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- That's Sultan's story so far, up - to his treatment at the end of 2010.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- How is he now? Is he healthier? - Did he find a wife?
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- The most important question - - is he still growing?
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- Was the treatment in America - a success?
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- Well, good news. Sultan emailed me.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- I'm going to meet him in Turkey. - I'm packing my bags.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- I'm catching a plane to Turkey.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- In the next programme, I arrive - in Turkey to meet the man himself.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- I've never looked up - to anyone taller than me.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- It'll be a new experience - and I'm looking forward to it.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31- We're heading south to the - Turkish, Syrian and Iraqi coastline.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- I'm rather nervous.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- It's a dangerous place to visit. - I don't know what to expect.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- We're 30 minutes away - from Sultan's village.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44- The man himself.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- I'm looking forward to meeting him. - It's going to be an exciting day.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21- .