Smallest bodybuilder-world record set by Aditya
'Romeo' Dev
PHAGWARA, India -- At only 2 feet, 9 inches (84
cm) tall and not even 20 pounds (9.25 kg) weight, Aditya
'Romeo' Dev, 21, sets the world record for the Smallest
bodybuilder.
Photo:Using custom-built 1.5 kg dumbbells,
Aditya Romeo, the Smallest
bodybuilderpumps iron daily to prove that
small is beautiful. (enlarge
photo)
"I've been training as a bodybuilder for the
last two years and by now I think I must be the strongest
dwarf in the world," said Romeo.
"I have always been fit but since I started
working out I have become famous for my strength. My size
has never stopped me. I train with dumbbells and do aerobics
and dance. People are always pleased to see me – I have been
invited on TV shows and dance on stage."
Throngs of people crowd into the
local gymnasium on a daily basis to watch him work out. In
addition to his bodybuilding, Romeo
Dev is also training to be a dancer.
Ranjeet
Pal, Romeo's trainer and a friend of his family who runs
the Leo Health Club in his home town of Phagwara,
says that Romeo has never let his size get in his way. "Romeo
trains more or less the same as anyone else and he's much
more determined," he said.
"When he first started I insisted he did a month
of basic exercises like aerobics, push-ups and basic gymnastics
to prepare his body. Photo: Mini muscleman Romeo Dev, pictured with
his trainer Ranjeet Pal, weighs just 1 st 6 lbs (enlarge
photo)
"After that I specially made lightweight
dumbbells and taught him basic weight-lifting exercises to
shape his biceps and triceps. His size and his weight were
taken care of so that he never hurt himself."
While most dwarfs have large heads compared to
their bodies, Romeo
Dev is perfectly proportioned, and despite his diminutive
stature has triceps, biceps, calves and thighs that would
make many a full-grown man blush.
Romeo is famous in his home country,
and his father has spoken of his pride in his son's determination
to overcome any difficulties in his path. "He has never been
bothered at being so small. He has no inferiority complex.
He is the jewel of our family."
Having made his way in to the record books, Romeo
Dev says that he wants to dance on stage. "My dream
is to travel a lot – I want to perform in London with my idol,
Jazzy-B," he says.
According to his
Web site, Romeo
Dev is one of approximately 100 primordial dwarfs
anywhere the world. His condition makes him susceptible to
a range of medical complications.
His family fears he doesn't have long to
live because he suffers from brain aneurysms and his family
is too poor to finance necessary medical treatment. (If you
want to donate, visit his
Web sitefor the donation link).
Worlds Smallest Bodybuilder at Venice Beach
California