When many people in American society hear the term "Twin Towers," they often think of the World Trade Center buildings that stood in New York City before 9/11. In the sports world, this term has also been used to describe the dynamic duo of David Robinson and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs during their run to the NBA championship. However, here on the campus of American University, the nickname "Twin Towers" is even more fitting when talking about sisters Ann and Claire Recht, who are in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest female twins on the planet.
The sisters, who stand at 6'8", were originally recognized as the world's tallest twins in 2004. Since then, they have appeared on many talk shows, such as ABC's "Good Morning America" and CBS's "The Early Show." However, despite this media crush, both Rechts try not to focus on all of the attention.
"It really hasn't been that big a deal to me. I mean I have enjoyed my 10 seconds of fame but I don't feel like a celebrity," Ann said.
Instead, both Ann and Claire have been trying to adjust not only to playing Division I collegiate volleyball but also trying to acclimate to college life a month into their freshman year. Both are in the Kogod School of Business, looking toward possible careers in international business or business administration.
"It's been really exciting and the year is going by really quickly," Claire said. "It has been hard but really fun."
"Division I athletics is naturally really competitive but if I work hard, it's going to be okay," Ann said. "The best part about playing so far was our trip to California. It was a real team bonding experience between the matches and touristy things we did. We didn't win a match but we were able to play some of the best teams in the nation."
The twins, who hail from Milwaukie, Ore., originally had no idea about AU until one of the assistant coaches left her business card with the girls' high school coach at a regional tournament. Once they found out that the school was excellent academically and had a highly competitive volleyball team, they knew it would be a perfect choice for them.
However, contrary to popular belief, they did not plan on attending the same college at the beginning.
"We were not recruited together in a package or anything. We both decided on our own and happened to both pick American," Claire said. "However, just because we both decided to go to the same school, there is no way that we could ever room together. We would definitely kill each other"
