DWARF ‘MICHAEL JORDAN’
NEW YORK: Known as the “Michael Jordan of dwarf basketball”,” Jahmani Swanson is 1.3m tall, but he’s now a Harlem Globetrotter, electrifying fans in the culmination of a childhood dream.
Signing with the world-famous exhibition team earlier this month for their 2018 world tour, the 32-yearold was mobbed on court by dozens of fans queueing for a photo or an autograph after his first appearance.
Born and bred in Harlem, a New Yorker through and through, his debut at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn proved that he was already the team’s most popular player.
A social media sensation with a litany of YouTube videos
dubbed Mani Love, Lil Engine or The Athlete that showcase his unique style of play, dribbling the ball between the legs of challengers, thrashing actor Jamie Foxx in a one-on-one or shooting a hoop from all angles.
“I think he’s a nice addition, just because of his size. That brings a lot of attention to him,” says Kenyon Pickering, who watched the game with his children. “He’s definitely going to sell a lot of tickets.”
Swanson, who is at least 22cm shorter than any other Globetrotter ever, is excellent advertising for the entertaining team who have dazzled millions around the world with basketball wizardry.
Questions and doubts about his abilities are nothing new. He grew up with them, being stared at, pointed at and made fun of.
“Every gym, every city I walk into, people are staring down, some are laughing, asking ‘who is little dude? What can he do?’ And, that first shot, or that first move, people are going crazy.”
Born to a dwarf mum and an average height dad, Swanson learned to dribble and walk at the same time, recalls mum Sabrina.
He quickly became inseparable from the ball, keeping a portable hoop and playing day and night, driving the neighbours crazy.
“I dreamt of this moment as a kid. I never thought I’d be a Harlem Globetrotter. It makes this a Cinderella magical story. It’s just amazing. The journey. The work. Practising everyday. Overcoming adversity. Proving to people that I could be here, that I could play.” AFP
Melodrama.
The Spinoff. Reuters
People
Home.
ple.
Grace and Frankie.
Reuters
Klute
Coming
Peo-