Uganda’s state-owned newspaper New Vision has announced that it believes Ugandan John Paul Ofwono is the world’s tallest man at 8 feet, 2 inches. The 30-year-old man is something of a local legend for frightening away government soldiers who thought he was a ghost, and Ofwono is reputed to be able to pick mangoes without climbing trees.

Guiness Book of Records doesn’t list a global record for the worlds’ tallest man, but does list the tallest American and Brit at about 7 feet, 6 inches each. The NBA hasn’t announced whether any teams will try recruit Ofwono, but his prospects may be slim as he is rumored to be in poor health.

News compiled by Eric Hansen, Nate Hoogeveen, Jane Maguire, and Mary Catherine O'Connor of Outside magazine.