The claim that weightlifting makes you shorter was quite interesting to me. Doing some research, I found that University Hospitals have this to say.
There is no scientific evidence to prove that weightlifting causes a stunt in growth. It is also important to note that these same researchers recommend not to start weightlifting under the age of 8, in some cases even 12, and not without adult supervision/guidance. This is due to the fact that lifting with improper form or too much weight can cause injury in anyone but particularly an underdeveloped body. This is why University Hospitals do not recommend max strength training until after the body has experienced puberty.