A Colombian man has been named the world’s shortest man for the second time in his life, as confirmed by Guinness World Records.
It was announced on Tuesday that Edward ‘Niño’ Hernández had been confirmed as the shortest living man who is mobile, with a height of 2ft 4.393in.
He was actually awarded the title in April 2010, when he measured 2ft 3.64in tall, but later that year had the title taken from him by Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal, who stood at 2ft, 2.41in tall.
Another Nepal citizen then took the title – the 1ft 9.5in-tall Chandra Bahadur Dangi – however, as both of those men have since passed away, it’s now been passed back to Hernandez.
After turning 34 on 10 May, Edward can now begin another year with a new record title.
Natalia Ramírez, Guinness World Records Latin America adjudicator, gave Niño his official certificate at a medical clinic in his native city of Bogotá, Colombia, as he celebrated his regained title.
His family and Orthopedist, Cristina Suárez, were by his side during the ceremony.
Edward was born in 1986 and grew up like most children, with normal interests. But when he got to age four, his parents realised he wasn’t growing up at the same rate of his friends.
His parents looked for medical advice but it wasn’t until around 20 years later that he was diagnosed with severe Hypothyroidism – confirming why his natural growth was affected.
Nowadays, you can find Edward dancing to his favourite music and enjoying life.
Speaking to Guinness World Records, he said: “I use my smile to conquer the world! I always share my big smile with everyone; that’s my charm.
“I can achieve everything I set my mind to. Everything is possible… Size and height don’t matter! I want people to meet who I truly am: small in size, big in heart!”
Khagendra Thapa Magar, known to many as the world’s shortest man, died aged just 27 in January after battling pneumonia. He passed away in hospital in Nepal.
He was given the Guinness World Record in 2010, having first appeared in the Guinness World Record book as the shortest teenager (male) before being the given the title of world’s shortest man when he turned 18.
Speaking at the time, Khagendra said: “I don’t consider myself to be a small man. I’m a big man. I hope that having this title enables me to prove it and get a proper house for me and my family.”
Featured Image Credit: Guinness World Records
