Being the World's Tallest Man isn't all it's cracked up to be. Despite worldwide fame, Ukrainian Leonid Stadnik also has to cope with the problems his lofty height can bring.

And he has been speaking to the media about the daily grind of being 2.57 metres. 

His biggest growth spurt happened when he was fourteen after a brain operation caused the overproduction of a natural growth hormone. And Leonid just keeps growing, beating a Chinese man to the record of the world's tallest man last year.

Now, he has to work hard to keep his height and weight in check. It's been made possible by a Russian engineer, who created an exercise machine specially geared for tall people. It's important because Leonid's 200 kilo weight puts an enormous strain on his joints, sometimes making it hard for him to get around.

But in spite of his troubles, he's made many friends all over the world and learned to look on the bright side.

Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko sent him two tracksuits and has even given him a specially adapted car. And his friends have sent him many gifts, including the latest addition – an oversized bicycle.

Although he gave up working as a vet, he now keeps busy in his family's garden and looks after the animals with his mother and sister.

But the gentle giant still has dreams – he wants to find his soulmate, just like China's tallest man who got married last year.