It wasn't too long ago that Leonid Stadnyk, who is 8 ft 5.5.inches tall, snagged the title of the world's tallest man from Bao Xishun (7ft 8.95 inches) of China. However, this week, Bao once again regained the title he once so cherished.

And it's not because Leonid has shrunk either. It all seems to be simply because he is refusing to abide by the new rules imposed by the folks at the Guinness Book of World Records.

According to these rules, Leonid needs to be measured by a representative from the Guinness Book of Records. However, he has refused to allow them to do this. The only proof they have that verifies his height is a certificate from Leonid's doctor, which they say is insufficient.

Bao on the other hand, had no objections and even allowed the representative to measure him six times during one day, both standing and sitting, as per the new rules.The folks at Guinness had no choice but to give Bao back his title.

Leonid maintains that he refused because he doesn't like to be bothered and has never really cared for the fame that came with the title. In fact, he has often been quoted as being rather unhappy about his height, because of all the obstacles he has to overcome (see for previous story).

Bao on the other hand, is delighted to get the title back. Bao, who used to be reclusive cattle herder, really enjoys being known as the world's tallest man. It has helped him find a beautiful wife and also pay for a big traditional wedding, which was sponsored by fifteen Companies. In 2006, be became even more famous for using his long hands to pull out pieces of plastic from the stomachs of two dolphins, saving them from dying.

Bao will be re-instated in the 2009 Guinness Book of Records, where will appear alongside He Pingping, who at 2ft, 5.37 inches has been confirmed as the world's shortest man. Coincidently, they both live within a few hundred miles of each other.

The title of the tallest man EVER, still lies with U.S. born Robert Wadlow, who was 8ft 11.1 inches tall. Unfortunately, Robert died in July 1940.

Source: Stuff.co,nz, Yahoo News.com