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Top Short Male Athletes

‘Taller the athlete, better the performance’ is a common misconception that has been looming over in the world of sports for quite some time now. While it is true to an extent that tall athletes have an edge over their shorter counterparts, height alone does not decide the outcome. Time and again, many short athletes have proven their critics wrong by outperforming their taller counterparts. Take a look at the list below to know more about these short athletes.

1. Pele

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Also Known As: Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Birthday: 23 October 1940
Born In: Tres Coracoes, Brazil
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 5′8″
Famous As: Brazilian footballer

This Brazilian football legend stands at a height of 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in). Despite his comparatively short stature, Pelé went on to become one of the greatest players of all time.


2. Diego Maradona

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Also Known As: Diego Armando Maradona Franco
Birthday: 30 October 1960
Born In: Lanús, Argentina
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5′5″
Famous As: Argentine footballer

Diego Maradona's small stature (1.65 m or 5 ft 5 in) helped him maneuver better than his taller counterparts. Many believe that his short stature helped him become one of the greatest footballers ever.


3. Jesse Owens

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Also Known As: James Cleveland Owens
Birthday: 12 September 1913
Born In: Oakville
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died On: 31 March 1980

This four-time Olympic gold medalist is considered one of the greatest athletes in track and field history. He achieved incredible feats despite standing at a height of 5 ft 11 in (180 cm).


4. Lionel Messi

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Also Known As: Lionel Andrés
Birthday: 24 June 1987
Born In: Rosario, Argentina
Sun Sign: Cancer
Height: 5′7″
Famous As: Football Player

Lionel Messi is not tall for a footballer; he stands at a height of 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in). Despite his height, he went on to become one of the greatest players of all time.


5. Bruce Lee

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Birthday: 27 November 1940
Born In: San Francisco
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died On: 20 July 1973
Famous As: Actor, Martial Artist

Regarded by many as the most influential martial artist of all time, Bruce Lee continues to influence modern combat sports, such as mixed martial arts, boxing, judo, and karate. This man of great stature stood at a height of 1.72 m.