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Giant (8ft 4in) Ukrainian reaches for record
BBC News On Line ^ | 2004/03/26 | Unsigned

Posted on 03/27/2004 8:08:56 AM PST by aculeus

It is tough being one of the tallest men on Earth. You cannot get through your own front door, you have to bend over double in the bus, and you have to find shoes so large they could house a small dog.

The trouble is, you just can't get shoes that size. That is why Leonid Stadnyk, from Zhytomyr in central Ukraine, spends so much of his time indoors.

At 8ft 4in, or just over two-and-a-half metres tall, Leonid would appear to be a contender for the title of world's tallest man. A Tunisian currently recognised by the Guinness Book of Records measures in at 7ft 9in.

But being that tall can make life a little complicated. His UK shoe size, for example, would be a 23, or a 25 in the US and around a 60 in continental Europe. And that sort of footwear is not easy to find.

"Maybe somewhere in America, England or France it wouldn't be like this," he told Ukrainian television in his big, booming voice. "But here in Ukraine, it's very hard to be different."

No wonder a pair of boots 19 inches long, custom-made and presented to Leonid by a group of businessmen from western Ukraine, is the best gift he has received for some time.

He has been promised another pair for Easter, with a jacket thrown in as well. Newly suited and booted, Leonid, who qualified with flying colours as a veterinary surgeon more than 10 years ago, is now eager to leave the confines of his own home and hone his skills.

He must be hoping there is a job out there big enough to test him.

Story from BBC NEWS:

Published: 2004/03/26 17:04:15 GMT

© BBC MMIV


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News
KEYWORDS: extendednews; shrimp; tall; ukraine
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1 posted on 03/27/2004 8:08:57 AM PST by aculeus
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To: aculeus
The Lakers could use a backup center. LOL
2 posted on 03/27/2004 8:10:33 AM PST by kellynla (U.S.M.C. 1/5 1st Mar Div. Nam 69&70 Semper Fi http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnkerry.com)
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To: aculeus
no NBA scouts in the area?
3 posted on 03/27/2004 8:10:54 AM PST by ken5050 (JIm Angle rocks!!!!)
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To: aculeus
Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk
New shoes will help Mr Stadnyk get out more

4 posted on 03/27/2004 8:11:46 AM PST by Guillermo (Your own personal Konservative Klick-Guerilla)
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To: aculeus
Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk
Stadnyk has high hopes of clinching the title

5 posted on 03/27/2004 8:12:15 AM PST by Guillermo (Your own personal Konservative Klick-Guerilla)
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To: Guillermo; martin_fierro
It is tough seeing one of the tallest men on Earth. Ukraine your neck to look up at his face.
6 posted on 03/27/2004 8:14:47 AM PST by Charles Henrickson (Ukrainium.)
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To: aculeus
With all the resourses here, can't we find shoes for this guy? I believe Shaq wears a 22, maybe he could donate. Come on guys, I will chip in in any way I can.
7 posted on 03/27/2004 8:14:50 AM PST by devane617
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To: aculeus; kellynla; ken5050
Looks like everyboady had the same immediate reaction.

Sure, let's get him into the NBA...

....provided, of course, that he graduated from an accredited college.....

...oh, no...what a minute!

8 posted on 03/27/2004 8:15:55 AM PST by JimVT (.)
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To: aculeus
Leonid, who qualified with flying colours as a veterinary surgeon more than 10 years ago, is now eager to leave the confines of his own home and hone his skills.

He must be hoping there is a job out there big enough to test him.

Bull chasing in Pamplona?

Seriously, though, this poor guy has some kind of glandular problem because Ukrainians don't grow over 8 ft tall otherwise.

9 posted on 03/27/2004 8:17:00 AM PST by xJones
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To: aculeus
Leonid, get thee to a rodeo. There's money in cow rasslin'.
A perfect match for a veterinary surgeon as well :o)
10 posted on 03/27/2004 8:18:03 AM PST by Liberty Valance (Keep a simple manner for a happy life :o)
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To: aculeus
"Extended News" is right!
11 posted on 03/27/2004 8:19:23 AM PST by Charles Henrickson (Ukrainium.)
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To: JimVT
Yeah, look how much it's hurting LeBron James to have missed going to college. LOL.

-Eric

12 posted on 03/27/2004 8:21:11 AM PST by E Rocc (Happy 10th Birthday to Troubull (my cat) 3/25/04)
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To: Charles Henrickson
"Ukraine your neck..."

You should be ashamed of yourself! I love it! Very punny.

13 posted on 03/27/2004 8:21:47 AM PST by Thom Pain
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To: Thom Pain; martin_fierro
I wonder if he'll be able to find a woman tall enough to be his wife. I'm sure he'd be happy two meter.
14 posted on 03/27/2004 8:23:17 AM PST by Charles Henrickson (A good pun is its own reword.)
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To: Charles Henrickson
Your humor takes me to such heights I get dizzy.

Or, rather, more dizzy than I normally am :)

15 posted on 03/27/2004 8:24:46 AM PST by upchuck (I am upchuck and I approved this message because... well, just because.)
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To: Charles Henrickson
"Extended News" is right!

"Ukraine your neck..." I wonder if he'll be able to find a woman tall enough to be his wife. I'm sure he'd be happy two meter.

Âåðõîâíà Ðàäà Óêðà¿íè!

16 posted on 03/27/2004 8:29:29 AM PST by aculeus
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To: Charles Henrickson
"...happy two meter."

Stop! You're killing me! I'm series!

17 posted on 03/27/2004 8:33:23 AM PST by Thom Pain
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To: aculeus
Âåðõîâíà Ðàäà Óêðà¿íè!

Does that mean you liked it?

18 posted on 03/27/2004 8:35:25 AM PST by Charles Henrickson (What a bunch of characters!)
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To: Charles Henrickson
A Tunisian currently recognised by the Guinness Book of Records measures in at 7ft 9in.

Not to be confused with a Ms. Lewinsky, who is a Two Kneesian.

(okay, that was sooo strained that even I am wincing)

19 posted on 03/27/2004 8:36:11 AM PST by martin_fierro (Sili Con Carne)
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To: aculeus
It appears that this guy's family must have been directly downwind from Chernobyl.
20 posted on 03/27/2004 8:42:34 AM PST by Ex-Wretch
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