Gary Turner from the United Kingdom has held one of the most jaw-dropping records in the Guinness World Records for nearly 25 years — all thanks to a condition that turned his body into a medical and biological wonder. 🌍✨ Known as “the man with the world’s stretchiest skin,” Gary’s unique gift isn’t a party trick — it’s the result of a rare disorder that makes his skin unlike anyone else’s on Earth.
It all started in October 1998, when Gary first amazed judges and audiences alike by stretching the skin on his stomach to an unbelievable 15 centimeters (that’s nearly six inches!). 😲 Just one year later, he went even further, breaking his own record by pulling it to 15.8 centimeters. Since then, no one has managed to beat him.
The secret behind his extraordinary skin lies in a rare genetic disorder called Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS) — a condition that affects the body’s connective tissues, which give structure and strength to the skin, ligaments, and even internal organs. In people with EDS, the collagen — the protein responsible for firmness and elasticity — doesn’t form properly, resulting in skin that’s soft, flexible, and incredibly stretchy.
Gary discovered his unusual ability as a child. “I was about eight years old,” he shared with a laugh. “I was goofing around in class and pulled the skin on my neck. My friend looked shocked, and when I asked, ‘Can you do this?’ he said no. That’s when it hit me — I was different!” 😄
Unlike what many might assume, Gary insists that stretching his skin doesn’t hurt at all. “It’s completely painless,” he says. “I just feel a little tug, that’s it. People expect me to wince or scream, but honestly — it’s as normal for me as scratching an itch.”
Over the years, Gary’s one-of-a-kind talent turned him into a global sensation. He’s appeared on TV shows, live events, and medical documentaries, both to entertain and to raise awareness about Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome. While he can make audiences gasp and laugh with his unusual demonstrations, he’s also deeply passionate about educating people on the condition and promoting understanding for those who live with it. ❤️
And as if one record wasn’t enough, Gary set another Guinness title — this time for the most clothespins attached to the face! 😅 With his incredible tolerance and flexible skin, he’s broken his own record multiple times. The last time he did it was in 2013, in Istanbul, where the crowd went wild as he calmly clipped dozens of pins across his cheeks and chin like it was nothing.
Despite the fame, Gary remains humble and lighthearted. He often jokes that his skin is his “superpower,” but behind that humor is a man who embraces his uniqueness with pride. “We all have something that makes us different,” he says with a smile. “Mine just happens to stretch a little farther than most.” 💪😄
Today, Gary Turner continues to inspire millions with his story — not just as the man with the stretchiest skin, but as a reminder that our differences are what make us extraordinary. His legacy isn’t just measured in centimeters — it’s measured in courage, curiosity, and a good sense of humor. 🌟
