A German who said he was his distant relative asked [Leonid Stadnik] for a visit several years ago. On the trip, Stadnik got to sample frog legs in an elegant restaurant and saw a roller coaster at an amusement park -- both for the first time.

"I have always dreamt that my life and the life of my loved ones... would become more comfortable," Stadnik said. "My dream is coming true."

Stadnik says his dream is finding a soul mate, just like the former titleholder, China's Bao Xishun, who was married last year. "I think the future holds that for me," he said.