Kiev, Ukraine, March 24, 2008—Shortly before giving him a specially adapted car, Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko greets Leonid Stadnik—the world's tallest man, according to Guinness World Records (watch video.)

Stadnik, 37, stands 8.5 feet (2.59 meters) tall, surpassing China's 7.9-foot (2.40-meter) Bao Xishun (see photo).

A veterinarian, Stadnik had had to quit his job after suffering frostbite when he couldn't get shoes that fit. Since his Guinness designation, Stadnick has received gifts from around the world.

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