Edward Niño may be little, but he has a giant personality and feels fortunate to be the height he is.
The iconic Colombian record holder was born in Bogota on 10 May 1986, and is officially the shortest man living (mobile) with a height of 72.10 cm (2 ft 4.3938 in) tall.
Edward became a Guinness World Record holder for the same title on 13 April 2010, with a confirmed height at that time of 70.21 cm (2 ft 3.64 in).
Subsequently, the record was beaten by Khagendra Thapa Magar (Nepal, b. 14 October 1992), who registered a height of 67.08 cm (2 ft 2.41 in). Khagendra sadly passed away on 17 January 2020 at the age of 27.
On 29 February 2020, with a confirmed height of 72.1 cm (2 ft 4.38 in), Edward regained the record title again, with 1.89 cm (0.744 in) added to his height.
By the time Edward was four years old, his family realized that he was not growing like his friends. Although his parents sought medical help, it was about 20 years before a diagnosis of severe hypothyroidism finally confirmed why his natural growth had been affected.
Despite his situation, Edward has always enjoyed life and strives to face adversity with optimism and strength.
Edward enjoys spending time with his family and he spends his free time doing word searches, playing cards and exercising.
He also works as a model and dancer. Dancing is his passion, and he has a broad musical taste. Among his favorite genres are Reggaeton, Vallenato, Merengue and Electronic.
When he dances, all the eyes in the room turn to him. His talent makes him feel proud of himself.
"For me, dancing is a way to express my happiness; I can express the sound of music through my little body. I feel free, powerful and I believe I have no barriers to do what I love" - Edward Niño
In 2020, Guinness World Records organized a virtual meeting with the iconic Latin singer and record holder, Ozuna, to surprise Edward with the news that both Ozuna and Edward were honored in Guinness World Records 2021. They shared their enthusiasm about their passion for music.
Edward lives with his parents and siblings in a country house near Bogotá.
He enjoys taking care of his home. He specifically likes to organize his room, sweep the house and feed and pet his animals. He has chickens, pigs, cows, rabbits and more!
Edward describes himself as a serious, loving and very cheerful person. Through his personality and big heart, he wants to express to the world that everything is possible and that limits only exist in the mind.
He wants to be remembered as someone who is enthusiastic, kind and good to people.
"I use my smile to conquer the world!" said Edward.
"I always share my big smile with everyone; that’s my charm."
"I can achieve everything I set my mind to. Everything is possible… Size and height don’t matter! I want people to see who I truly am: small in size, big in heart!"
Edward is the oldest of his four siblings. He feels very fortunate to have the unconditional love and support of his family. He cites his family as his world, his support and his eternal joy.
His mother is his source of inspiration to feel positive and strong.
"She is the one who motivates me; she is my driving force."
"My mother is the one who drives me by telling me that there is nothing difficult for me. She always tells me that I am unique, and that God has great things in store for me."
Edward and his family also care for his brother, Miguel, who is 22 years old and 1.20 meters tall. Miguel suffers from hip dysplasia and sometimes cannot walk easily because of the pain. Edward is the one who accompanies him, encourages him and helps him to feel better.
One of Edward's biggest dreams is to travel the world. So far, he has had the opportunity to visit Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. He is eager to show the world that despite his small stature, he has a big heart.
"I would love to get to know other cultures, their gastronomy and the beautiful landscapes that I see on television. On my bucket list is to get to know the United States and Europe. I want to show the world who I am and everything I have to give."
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