On his 18th birthday, a Filipino blacksmith’s son who ceased to grow during his toddler years was officially recognized as the world’s shortest man.
Junrey Balawing, measuring a mere 59.93cm, is the oldest among four siblings…the others all have typical heights…and hails from the rural town of Sindangan located on the southern Mindanao island.
“He is now officially recognized as the world’s shortest man,” stated Craig Glenday, the editor-in-chief of the Guinness Book of World Records, while measuring Balawing in front of a throng of joyful relatives and villagers.
The previous title was held by Khagendra Thapa Magar from Nepal, who measured just over 66cm in 2010.
“Thank you all for the support you have given my son, the world’s shortest man,” said Junrey’s father, Reynaldo, addressing a swarm of reporters and photographers.
Following this, Junrey blew out a candle on a specially made cake for the occasion and, in a soft voice speaking the local dialect, shared with the crowd, “Kapoy (I’m tired).”
by Sasha Dubonitz
