Meet The World's New Shortest Woman

Have you noticed the atmosphere has felt a little changed in the past few days, that things seem to have shifted somehow, but you can’t quite put your finger on what’s different? Well, here’s your answer: the world has a new shortest woman! That’s right, Jyoti Amge, of Nagpur, India, was given the honor on Friday—her 18th birthday—by Guinness World Records.

When measured during the ceremony, she came in at just 24.7 inches tall, making her shorter than the average two-year-old. Amge previously held the Guinness record for world’s shortest teenager, but now that she’s 18, she gets to assume the title of shortest woman, which was previously held by Bridgette Jordan, a 22-year-old American who is 2.76 inches taller than Amge. It is not expected that Amge will grow any further because she has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism.

During the presentation, Guinness adjudicator Rob Molloy said, “Jyoti encourages us all to look beyond mere size and to just celebrate our differences.” For her part, Amge, who was “teary-eyed” and wearing one of her best saris, said she is thankful for being small and for the recognition it’s brought her and her community: “I have put Nagpur on the world map. Now everyone will know where it is.” She is currently a high school student, but after she graduates she plans to go to college. Her ultimate dream is to become a Bollywood star. Well, she may not be in movies yet, but she’s on her way to becoming a celebrity already!