It's Guinness World Records Week, a celebration of world record-breaking events. And to kick things off, Svetlana Pankratova appeared before an amazed crowd of onlookers in New York's Times Square to show off the world's longest legs. With a height of 196 centimeters (6ft 5in), her legs measure an incredible 132 centimeters (4ft 4in) or about two-thirds of her body length! She also has very large feet, wearing a size 13 (US)/46 (EU). Born on August 29, 1971 in the Russian city of Volgograd, Svetlana Pankratova once played women's basketball at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia where she was described as an impact player, setting three all-time records which are still active: No. 1 - Career Blocked Shots, 1992-95 (176), No. 1 - Single Season Total Blocked Shots, 1994-95 (75), and No. 8 - Single Season Field Goals,
1994-95 (178).

While less physically-blessed individuals may marvel at her whopping proportions, Svetlana is quick to point out the difficulties of having world record attributes. In an interview with NBC's Today Show, she said, "Some guys like it but others do not like standing next to a woman this tall, they are intimidated." He he. "It is also a challenge when I get on planes, I do not have enough legroom I must admit," she added. Well, I can just imagine how uncomfortable it must be. I don't think that even an airline's first class seats have enough room for those legs! Another problem that she most probably has is where to get her clothes, and shoes. While her upper body appears to have more typical dimensions, those extra long legs are definitely a problem. Where does she get her pants? Jeans? Or how about stockings and pantyhose? I guess only custom-made leg apparel will do.

Svetlana Pankratova also made an appearance in London's Trafalgar Square a few months ago, to promote the new edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. The world's shortest man, He Pingping, was with her in that event. Though Pingping barely came up to Pankratova's knees at this rather bizarre photo shoot, the pair seemed rather happy in each other's company as they posed for photos on Trafalgar Square's steps in central London.

I have found a number of articles about Svetlana Pankratova in the course of researching for this post. However, there hasn't been any mention about what she does for a living at present and makes me rather curious. Does anybody out there know what her job is? Something related to sports perhaps?

Svetlana Pankratova, The Woman With the World's Longest Legs

Svetlana Pankratova, The Woman With the World's Longest Legs
Guinness World Record Holder

The Woman With the World's Longest Legs Meets the Shortest Man

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