Teen in Nepal is world's shortest man
Teen in Nepal is world's shortest man
Nepalese fruit seller's son with the body of a toddler turned 18 on Thursday and was officially declared the world's shortest man by Guinness record officials.
Khagendra Thapa Magar measured in at 26.4 inches (67 centimeters), displacing the former record holder, Edward Nino Hernandez of Colombia, who measures 27 inches (70 centimeters).
Cheers went up when Magar was handed a world record certificate by Guinness official Marco Frigatti. The ceremony was held in a hotel in Pokhara, Magar's hometown and a popular tourist destination west of Katmandu.
"I can confirm that as of today Khagendra Thapa Magar is officially the shortest man in the world," Frigatti announced as he handed over the certificate.
Magar's family has campaigned for years to get him the crown, but earlier requests to Guinness were rejected because of the possibility he might grow.
"We had to wait till he was 18 and became an adult," Frigatti said.
"We are very proud of our son," said his father, Rup Bahadur Thapa Magar. "We have been finally recognized and our dreams have finally come true."
On Thursday, Magar and his family excitedly welcomed journalists to their home, where Magar jumped on the kitchen table and made tea for the visitors and family members. He also received presents for his 18th birthday and danced to the sound of a toy drum.
Magar, who weighs 12 pounds, 5 ounces (6.5 kilograms), was tiny even at birth, weighing just 1.3 pounds (600 grams). His father says he has no explanation for why he never grew taller — his younger brother is a normal height for a boy of 13.
Local doctors are stumped, but lack facilities for detailed testing.
Magar's doctor for the past five years says he has the body of a 3-year-old.
"His body structure is like that of a small child and he also thinks and behaves in that manner," Hum Prasad Newpane said.
Magar — who already travels as part of a dancing troupe when he isn't helping his parents in their fruit shop — seems ready for the media spotlight that will accompany his new title.
Next year he is to serve as a government-appointed goodwill ambassador as his nation celebrates Visit Nepal Year.
"I am very happy and excited," he said.
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- Posted on October 14, 2010
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WOW!!!! That's so cool!! But I would hate to be that short because it would be really hard to get around to different places all the time and its would be really hard to drive and to do other stuff.
26.4 inches, is that even possible? The people should of measured them together to see whos taller. I cant belive anyone is that small. To me that is impossible, I just cant belive it but see it.
How is that even possible to be 26.4 inches? Why is he so small? They should have measured both people at the same time to see who is the world's smallest man.
This is really cool because this person is still young to enjoy his smallness, but it kind of stinks for the older guy because he only lost by 1 inch. Plus, I just commented on the older guy a few weeks ago.
I think that if I was the worlds shortest person,it would be so cool but then after a wile I will start feeling uncomfortable.Even if I'm uncomfortable I would still like to be the 26.4'' and 67cm world record.
WOW! I mean come on that’s really cool. I’ve never seen someone that small. I agree with Mu-min that sounds really weird and I can't believe this is possible. He weighs 12 pounds and he was also small at birth. I feel bad for him. He is so tinny.
“I am very happy and excited,” Nepal is world's shortest man!!!! Officially declared the world's shortest man by Guinness record officials. World's smallest person not the odd news odd news I tell you. His parents should be proud (I think). Well you know how your parents tell you to “Drink your milk, eat your veggies”, well he should. He should eat a lot. I am glad I'm not really short. I feel bad and happy for him. That's pretty amazing how small he is. I wonder how he can do stuff, example: Can he bike, Play piano? I cannot believe that he has the body structure of a 3 year old. He is only 26.4 inches tall. And I thought I was short. It’s kind of sad that he is that short. He's really small and I think that’s so cool. He is really short .Somebody shorter than ME! I cannot believe that a man could be that short! That is crazy! I wonder if his family is that sort? I would help him out all the time.
He must get picked on a lot just for being short. It's nothing he can help. I think he is brave. I don’t know what I would do if I was 18 with the body of a toddler. In my opinion it is amazing that a human can be that size their WHOLE life! That would be so cool if I where that short. I can tell he has a growth problem. Is there anyone smaller than him besides a baby? But it sounds like he is very happy just the way he is. That's awesome. To people out there think this is funny I would think again, and no I’m not going to point out names. I wonder if he’ll ever grow even just a little more?
I think its sad to be the shortest person. But i guess it would be cool too. I mean you would be really popular. But you wouldn't be able to do a lot of things either. You wouldn't be able to play sports. So there's some cons and Pros about being short.
Whoa this is just stupefying I can't believe this is possible. Is there research being done on his condition? I don't really think his parents should be proud for such a large deformity. I'm also pretty amazed there's another man almost the same height. Is this a birth defect or are they just plain small?
World's smallest person hmm not the usual odd news that's in the odd news category. I wonder if he was the size of a dollar bill when he was an actual baby.
WHAT? How is that possible. Being that small at age 18! How couldn't he grow taller. If i was that small i woould be so proud cause i'll be one of a kind.