The world’s shortest model has discussed the difficulties associated with her condition and how it affects her daily life as she balances that and working two busy jobs
The world’s shortest model has spoken about the reality of what it is like to work in her profession and the challenges her height poses.
Wildine Aumoithe, from Miami, Florida, is just two feet and four inches tall and lives with a rare form of dwarfism called Saddan Dysplasia. It means she has to rely on a wheelchair and help from her parents just to move around.
According the NHS, Dwarfism is also known as “restricted growth”. They said it “is when you are shorter than most people. It has many different causes”. Dwarfism can affect people in multiple different ways depending on what type they have.
For Wildine, her form of Dwarfism makes life difficult and means simple tasks are not so simple. She said: “For transfers, such as getting in and out of bed, I use a manual wheelchair with assistance from my mom. Having support with mobility and daily activities is an important part of my routine.”
Wildine, 23, said the condition is so acute that to do her freelance graphic design work she has to sit on the floor rather than in a chair.
She explained: “I use a power wheelchair to move around my house independently, and I usually sit on the floor when using my laptop because it is the most comfortable and accessible setup for me. Since I have short limbs, I need assistance reaching certain items around the house, and my mom helps me with those tasks.”
However, despite the great challenges she faces from being just 71cm tall Wildine, who in October 2021 was recognised as the world’s shortest non-mobile living woman, has found a way to thrive in life through her modelling and design work.
Addressing the title given to her nearly five years ago at the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic, she said it was a source of pride and a sign that she was gaining global recognition.
Wildine, who was given the honour after appearing in a Born Different documentary in 2020, explained: “Being recognised as a Guinness World Record holder is an honour because it represents perseverance, hard work, and breaking barriers.
“It means a lot to me to know that my achievements are inspiring people around the world, especially others with disabilities who may feel limited by their circumstances.”
Wildine added that she was especially proud to be the first Haitian-American woman to be given an Guinness World Record and said she hoped that her story would inspire others who were also struggling with physical restrictions.
She explained: “I hope people understand height is just a number, not a limit. Despite being born with a rare form of dwarfism, I still accomplish all the goals I have wanted to accomplish.”
