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Height contest held in Vitsyebsk in commemoration of local giant

The first-ever height contest was held in Vitsyebsk on June 26 to commemorate Feodor Machnow (1878-1912), a local man who, at 285 centimeters (112.2 inches), is believed to have been the tallest person in history, BelaPAN reports.

Participants had their height measured against the giant's cutout figure on Liberty Square.

Standing 208 centimeters tall, 28-year-old engineer Alyaksey Adrayanaw won the tallest man title. Natallya Rusanava, an employee of a company called Practicus, was found to be the tallest woman.

Among contestants were Spain's Juan Carlos and France's Matthias Rabiller, who were both 198 centimeters tall.

Nina Meshcharakova, a 70-year-old local woman who was 124 centimeters tall, also took part in the contest, much to everyone's amusement.

The winners were presented with carpets and invited to visit a restaurant free of charge.

In photos:
1 – Natallya Rusanava;
2 – Alyaksey Adrayanaw;
3 – Nina Meshcharakova.