Make Way For The World’s Smallest Bodybuilder

“Big things come in small packages” is a very popular saying that we often use very casually. Rarely do we wonder what gave rise to such a funny looking statement. If you look at our history, you will find a number of inspirational figures who achieved the impossible when the world underestimated them. Napoleon Bonaparte, the iconic French emperor, has shown the world that men need not be tall and fierce to conquer the world. Albert Einstein, whose intelligence runs many spheres of the world even today, was a short man. Sachin Tendulkar who is considered as the God of Cricket is a living example that height makes no difference. Now, a new name has become a part of this list – Choon Tan.

Choon Tan is a 21-year-old body builder who has rose to fame recently. What is so special about a body builder you say? Well yes, there is no novelty in being a muscle man these days. However, what if we tell you that young lad is just 4 feet and 10 inches tall. Yes, you heard us right! He is not even 5 feet, and is already enjoying an incomparable stardom. However, this journey to fame has not been merciful on him. Here is the story that will make you salute this lad who carved his own way to success.

Choon tan was not a normal child. He was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called x-linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda. This condition affects the bone of the spines and the long bones in the upper and lower limbs. The result is a short physique. This condition is found exclusively in males and Tan is one of them. It is due to this that Tan is just 4 feet 10 inches at the age of 21 years.

Your school days are your most memorable ones, but not for Tan. He was bullied at the school due to this short physique. He was unable to do things that normal kids could do easily. He could not understand what was wrong with him and thus, he had a very depressing childhood. He said, “‘I was fed up of feeling skinny, feeling like I could be better. So I decided to do something about it.”

Tan realized that his misery was due to his weakness and so he decided to become strong. He took up bodybuilding and poured all his dedication into it. He went on a strict diet and started visiting the gym 5 times in a week. Working out was very difficult for him. His weak legs and spine made weight lifting very painful for him. He could not perform even the regular squats. Tan again, showed courage and found out those alternatives that could be beneficial in his situation. Thus, began his unique journey of success.

Today, Choon Tan competes at the Men’s Physique section for the UKBFF (UK Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation). He also participated in a national fitness competition in Glasgow and managed to secure the fourth position. He will also be seen posing in the British Finals. In addition to this, he is an entrepreneurial business management student at Northumbria University and even works as an event manager in Newcastle. Tan said that working out not only made him physically strong but also made him mentally tough. He could overcome the depression and his psychological devastation with the help of bodybuilding.

Tan has just one goal now i.e. to inspire others like him. He wants each one to know that no disease or genetic condition can stop a person from doing great work. He has said that, “My main ambition now is to inspire people to believe in themselves and to know that they too can change their lives, no matter what the situation.” He also tries to motivate people through Instagram profile, @imchoontan, where he regularly posts his masculine images displaying the perfect cuts.

We are sure, that in the near future, we will hear more about him and his courageous success stories. Hence, the next time you find something difficult or unfair and use it as an excuse to make your way out, just think of this boy, who defeated every odd and became the world’s smallest body builder.