65.24 cm Iranian declared world’s shortest man, wins Guinness

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking, can announce that 20-year-old Afshin Esmaeil Ghaderzadeh is the new Shortest man as verified on Tuesday, 13 December 2022, with a height of 65.24 cm (2 ft 1.68 in).

Afshin was born in a remote village in Bukan County, West Azerbaijan Province in Iran.

The previous shortest man was Edward Niño Hernandez, who was born on 10 May 1986 in Bogotá, Colombia, measured 72.1 cm (2 ft 4.38 in) tall, as verified on 29 February 2020.

Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, along with Official Adjudicator Kanzy El Defrawy were in attendance on the day of measurement in the GWR Dubai office along with Dr. Bindu Devarajan, General Practitioner - Ahalia Group. Measurements were taken three times on the day of verification, resulting in the accurate record height.

Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records said: “It's been a privilege to meet with Afshin and his family, and to confirm him as the new world's shortest living adult man.

“At just 65.24 cm, he not only comfortably beats the existing record but he's also one of the shortest men to ever hold this title. This is one of those fundamental human-body superlatives, and receiving this official confirmation is a potentially life-changing moment in this charming young man's life.

Judging by the enthusiasm he's shown during his visit to Dubai, he's more than ready to enjoy his new-found celebrity status and become a household name. He's already ticked one item off his bucket list: to visit the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.”

Afshin’s life in Northern Iran hasn’t been easy. Unable to attend school, Afshin has struggled with literacy, although he is delighted to have recently learned to write his name. He was also pleased to have been gifted a phone from a friend recently, which allowed him some greater connectivity, but he finds it difficult to carry and use. “Phones in general are heavy to use for a long time, yet I still manage,” added Afshin.

He is very outgoing and kind, and therefore very popular with the locals in his village. Both his parents, as well as the community he lives in, call him by the name “Mohammed". The house Afshin lives in is modest, and his although his family works hard, they sometimes struggle to provide enough for his living expenses, medication and treatment.

Afshin cannot travel around the village alone, and he is always escorted by one of his parents. While he can actually walk, he sometimes prefers to be carried.

“I know who the Tallest man living in the world is. I might fit in the palms of his hands.”

Clothes are always a struggle for people with short stature. While you might think it is more difficult for people with extreme heights to find clothes, it seems to be a similar struggle for Afshin, as the clothes that fits his body are the same size as those of a three-year-old child, but the designs do not usually fit his age anymore.

Afshin is a big soccer fan – his favourite players are fellow GWR record-breakers Cristiano Ronaldo and Iran’s former national captain, Ali Daei. Unfortunately, though, his size precludes him from taking part in any sports. However, Afshin loves to sing and dance, and he’s quick to show off his footwork when he hears his favourite Iranian Kurdish music.

Afshin was not lucky enough to have owned any of Guinness World Records books, but human-body related records are his favourite. “Just thinking about being part of the Guinness World Records family is like a dream. I struggle to believe it sometimes. It is like you wake up the next day and the entire world now knows who you are. That’s magical,” said Afshin.

“I like the attention I get from people. It makes me feel special,” he elaborated.

Afshin doesn’t have any pets at home, but he prefers cats to dogs. He was born with body weight of 700 grams (1.5 pounds) and has grown to be almost 6.5 kg (14.3 pounds), so a grown cat weighs almost the same as him.

“My dream is to be able to help my parents. This global recognition might help me achieve my dream.”