World’s Shortest Man Dies Aged 21

The world’s shortest man, He Ping Ping from Inner Mongolia China, has died at the age of just 21. He measured just 2′ 5” (73cm), and was recognised as the world’s shortest man by Guinness World Records in 2008.

He died earlier this month in Rome after being hospitalised suffering from chest pains while filming a TV show.

“From the moment I laid on eyes on him, I knew he was someone special,” said Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief.

“He had such a cheeky smile and mischievous personality, you couldn’t help but be charmed by him. For such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world.” Glenday added that He was “an inspiration to anyone considered different or unusual”.

One of He’s most remarkable photos was taken during the 2008 launch of the latest Guinness World Book of Records, when he sat beneath Svetlana Pankrtova of Russia, who holds the record for the world’s longest legs at 52 inches.

He was also pictured in 2007 meeting the world’s tallest man, Bao Xishun, 56, who is also from Inner Mongolia and stands 7′ 9” (236cm) tall.

Speaking in 2007, He’s father said that when He was born in Wulanchabu city in 1988 he was small enough to fit in an adult palm. He was later diagnosed with the bone deformity known as osteogenesis imperfecta. His name, Ping Ping, comes from the Mandarin for wine bottle. He was known to be a very heavy smoker.

A 17-year-old boy from Nepal is already poised to succeed He’s title when he reaches 18 later this year. Khagendra Thapa Magar is just 22 inches tall compared to He’s 29.

If recognised, Magar stands to surpass the all time record for the world’s shortest man, set by Gul Mohammed of India, who was 22.4 inches tall.

Battle For World’s Shortest Man Title Heats Up

Almost exactly a year ago, we brought you the story of Khagendra Thapa Magar, a then 17-year-old Nepalese boy slated to take over as the world’s shortest man. Upon turning 18, Khagendra, who is only 26.4 inches tall, took the title from 21-year-old He Ping Ping (R.I.P.), who was 29 inches tall. However, it looks like another champion is rising up—or should I say stooping low?

Hailing from the Zamboanga del Norte province of the Philippines, Junrey Balawing is a 17-year-old young man who is only 22 inches tall, meaning he’s 4.2 inches shorter than Khagendra. As such, when Junrey turns 18 on June 12, he will become the world’s smallest man.

What’s even more amazing about Junrey, however, is that he will in fact be the shortest man who has ever lived. According to Craig Glenday from Guinness World Records, the shortest man thus far was Gul Mohammed of India, who was 22.5 inches tall.

Keep in mind that Junrey hasn’t been tested yet. Craig and his crew are waiting for Junrey’s birthday, at which point they will officially measure him. If his claim is indeed true, then it will be quite a “remarkable claim.”

As for Junrey, he’s trying to wait patiently, but he sure is excited about the prospect.

“If I were the smallest man in the world, it would be very cool,” he said.

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