Introduction
There is a prevalent misconception that shorter men and weightlifting don’t go hand – in – hand. However, the reality is quite the opposite. In fact, shorter men might even have an edge in the world of bodybuilding. For years, medium – height men have been among the top bodybuilders in the industry, and new talented athletes keep emerging.
Notable Short – Statured Bodybuilders
James Lewis
Approximately 166 cm in height, James Lewis started his professional weightlifting training at the age of 15. He was also a semi – professional rugby player in Wales, earning the nickname ‘the flex’ for his evasive skills. Lewis is a six – time winner of the “Mr. Olympia 212”, making him one of the most remarkable bodybuilders globally.
Lee Priest
At around 162 cm tall, the Australian Lee Priest was a child prodigy in the fitness world, winning his first competition at 13. Besides his successful fitness career, Priest is a racing enthusiast, winning awards in racing and even designing bodywork for the movie Hulk. He also contributes as a columnist to Musclesport magazine.
Muhammad Benaziza
Born in Algeria in 1959, Benaziza, about 160 cm tall, had a short – lived but impactful career. At his peak, he placed fifth in the 1992 Mr. Olympia competition, although his life was tragically cut short by a fatal injection from a friend.
Danny Padilla
Standing at approximately 154 cm, Padilla was like a rock star in the bodybuilding world. Starting his training at seven, he became one of only two to win both Mr. Universe and Mr. USA in the same year in the history of the International Bodybuilding Federation.
Franco Colombo
With a height of about 165 cm, Franco Colombo was not just a bodybuilder. He had an early boxing career, appeared in over 20 films and TV series including The Terminator, and was also a qualified chiropractor appointed to the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Shawn Ray
Approximately 165 cm tall, Shawn Ray had a 30 – year fitness career and placed in the top five in every Mr. Olympia competition from 1990 – 2001. He is also active in the media, co – hosting fitness competitions and working as an analyst and commentator.
Alexei Lesukhov
At around 170 cm, Alexei continues to shine as a bodybuilder while also excelling in other fields. Born in Russia in 1988, he graduated from a conservatory, plays the piano, and is an enthusiastic dancer who has even breakdanced with a European champion.
Flavio Bancanini
Just 150 cm tall, Bancanini is a successful Italian weightlifter and actor. From 1983 to 2008, he dominated the competition, regularly placing in the top five.
Tsubaki Tan
The smallest weightlifter in the UK, at about 147 cm, Tan calls himself a lightweight promoter. Despite a rare growth – stunting disease, he focuses on what he can control and has a positive attitude towards life.
Aditya Dev
Unofficially considered the smallest bodybuilder in the world at around 84 cm, Dev often showed off his dancing skills on TV but unfortunately passed away in 2012 due to a ruptured brain aneurysm.
Tom Pratts
The only American on the list, at about 173 cm, Tom was a highly competitive bodybuilder. He won first place in the IFBB Mr. Universe competition in 1980 and holds a master’s degree in fitness science and business administration.
Jose Raymond
Approximately 163 cm tall, according to the BPI team, Jose is the only bodybuilder in history to have won both national and US titles in three different weight classes. Although he never won the Mr. Olympia title, he is still regarded as one of the best athletes.
Conclusion
Being of average stature or shorter does not prevent one from becoming a great athlete or a remarkable bodybuilder. The men mentioned above compete at the highest level and have diverse interests spanning from film to dance and journalism. So, if you are considering starting a workout routine, remember that the only thing that can hold you back has nothing to do with your height.
