World's Shortest Man Declared

Little person, big world. Edward Nino Hernandez, a 27-inch tall Colombian man, has been named the world’s shortest living man by Guinness World Records. Hernandez, 24, weighs a mere 22 lbs. and hasn’t grown since he was 2 years old. “I feel happy because I'm unique,” Hernandez told the Associated Press. The previous record-holder was He Pingping of China, who was 1.5 inches taller than Hernandez, and died in March. But Hernandez has some competition. Nepalese teenager Khagendra Thapa, who stands just 22 inches, is expected to claim the record when he turns 18 in October. Hernandez currently holds a part-time job as a dancer in department stores, and is also playing a drug-dealer in a movie. And for all the fanfare, his stature—and status—does sometimes have its drawbacks. “It bothers me that people are always touching me and picking me up,” said Hernandez.