Tallest man in the world meets the shortest

July 14th, 2007

The world’s tallest man, Bao Xishun today shook hands with He Pingping who claims to be Earth’s shortest.

Astonishingly, two men actually come from the same region of Inner Mongolia. Bao Xishun, a herdsman, is from Chifeng, while He Pingping was born nearby in Wulanchabu city, both Inner Mongolia.

Bao Xishun was recently married in a traditional ceremony to a 28-year-old saleswoman from his hometown. At 5ft 6″ Xia Shujian only comes up to his elbow and is half his age. Mr Xishun is officially the world’s tallest man, listed in the Guinness Book of Records at a towering 2.361 metres (7 ft 8.95 in).

Mr Pingping who stands just 73 centimeters (28.7 inches) hopes also to feature in the Guinness Book of Records as officially the world’s shortest man although he may be disappointed as the record is currently held by Lin Yih-Chih, who stands a mere 67.5 cm (26.6 inches).

Entry Filed under: Bizarre, Mildly Interesting