Perhaps it is partially possible.
If they guy started flying at 14 and put in the hours that the article says, he should be well able to pass the LST on his 16th birthday.
However, before he can get his hands on the piece of paper he must;
a) Get some solo flying done (he can't have done it all on his birthday as well as the GFT) and;
b) Turn 17!
More likely that the journo mixed up 16 and 17.
Regards,
DFC