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Guinness began searching for America's tallest man in August. Bell's ex-wife registered him online, and Guinness spokesman Stuart Claxton said Bell's doctor documented his height. The Guinness record book now lists only the tallest man in the world, but Bell will be noted -- along with the tallest men in several other countries -- in the edition to be published next year. Bell hit 5-foot-4 at age 9. In middle school, he topped 6 feet. By the end of high school, he was 7-foot-6. He played basketball until, at 30, he lost interest in the sport and switched to law enforcement. His height doesn't intimidate jail inmates -- it helps him develop a rapport. "They've never seen anyone this tall before, so they're amazed," Bell said. "They want to talk." Bell focuses on the perks of being tall. For example, he usually gets free upgrades to first class on flights when the ticket-counter attendants realize he's going to need a lot of leg room. He credits his late great-aunt, Etonia Johnson, with his positive attitude: "She always told me, 'Don't feel ashamed of yourself. Stand tall. God made you. Be happy and show your pride.' " |
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