Leonid stadnik's phenomenal height has forced him to quit a job he loved and to stoop as he moves around his house.But Stadnik, who Guinness World Records says is the world's tallest human, says his condition has also taught him that there are many kindhearted strangers.Since his recognition by Ukrainian record keepers four years ago, and by Guinness last year, people from all over Ukraine and the world have sent him outsized clothing, provided his home with running water and recently presented him with a giant bicycle. And on Monday, he got a new car, courtesy of President Viktor Yushchenko."Thanks to good people I have shoes and clothes," said the 37-year-old former veterinarian, who still lives with his 66-year-old mother.In 2006, Stadnik was officially measured at 8 feet 5 inches tall, surpassing a 7-foot-9-inch Chinese man to claim the title of the world's tallest person.His growth spurt began at age 14 after a brain operation that apparently stimulated the overproduction of growth hormone. Doctors say he has been growing ever since.While his size is intimidating, Stadnik charms visitors with a broad grin and childlike laugh. He seems at times like a lonely boy trapped in a giant's body, even keeping stuffed toys on his pillow.Stadnik's stature has brought attention, but he struggles to lead a normal life.All the doorways in his one-story brick house are too short for him to pass through without stooping. His 440 pounds cause constant knee pain and often force him to use crutches.

Stadnik loves animals, but had to quit his job as a veterinarian at a cattle farm after suffering frostbite when he walked to work in his socks in winter. He could not afford custom made shoes for his 17-inch feet.But his fame has taught him not to despair.A German who said he was his distant relative asked Stadnik for a visit several years ago. On the trip, Stadnik got to sample frog legs in an elegant restaurant and saw a roller coaster at an amusement park — both for the first time.

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Its amazing how generous and kind people can be

Being disabled also I know first hand how kind people can be. It is too bad his employer couldn't have helped him with shoes before his feet were fostbite. That was the last thing he needed on top of all his other problems.

That's amazing, it really is fantastic how kind people who you've never met before can be. See, this world really does have some good in it!

Best Wishes, AoM xx

I'm 6'7" and I have a hard time getiing around sometimes. 8'5" is just nuts.

Yes, that man is very tall. But when you look at other species, the size deviance from the norm isn't especially impressive.

Think about the difference in dogs, between the Chihuahuas and the large Mastiffs or St. Bernards. Four pounds vs. 250 pounds (250 isn't even the record, it's a healthy upper norm). If the smallest person was 24 lbs., the largest would be 1500 lbs. And both would be in healthy, non-mutated bodies. We humans have so little variation relative to other species. And we make such a big deal out of the variations we do have.

Well, then you know, that the smallest fish is 0.0084 meter and the largest fish is 22 meters, the ratio is 2619:1 then according to you, an amazing human height would be, near 4700 meter. Come'on man, humans are different from dogs and fishes, how many 8 foot 5 inch people have you seen in your lifetime? None... Thats why its amazing...