Breaking stereotypes and chasing records, Ololade Ayelabola, a final-year Computer Science student at the University of Lagos and model, is making waves with her latest achievement. In a stunning show of endurance and purpose, she walked 130.62 km on a catwalk, setting her sights on breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked by a model.
Her walk, which spanned from October 1st to October 5th at the University of Lagos Indoor Sports Centre, far exceeded the previous record of 114.4 km (71.1 miles) set in 1983 by Roberta Brown and Lorraine McCourt in Ireland. Ololade initially aimed for 120 km in 96 hours but pushed herself to cover over 130 km—a truly awe-inspiring feat.
But this walk wasn’t just about setting records. For Ololade, it was a powerful stand against outdated fashion standards. After being repeatedly overlooked by fashion shows due to her height, she decided it was time to challenge the industry’s rigid beauty norms and build her own platform.
“I’m not walking for myself,” Ololade explained, “I’m walking for all the models who’ve been limited by stereotypes. This is about showing that beauty comes in all forms and showcasing the talent in Nigeria’s fashion industry.”
Throughout her journey, she didn’t walk alone in spirit—she modelled designs by various Nigerian fashion designers, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Nigerian fashion, from casual street styles to bold traditional outfits. Her walk was more than just about the kilometers; it was a celebration of inclusivity and Nigerian creativity.
The event saw overwhelming support from the University of Lagos community, with students and fellow models cheering her on, pushing her to achieve more than she initially set out to.
Key Moments of Ololade’s Walk:
Day 1: Walked tirelessly for 20 hours straight.
Breaking the record: Reached 114.4 km in 92 hours, equalling the record set in Ireland 41 years ago.
Pushing the boundaries: Finished at 130.62 km, surpassing her own goal.
All Ololade’s Nigerian Disigners looks
With every step, Ololade Ayelabola challenged industry norms and set a new precedent for inclusivity in fashion, proving that determination, purpose, and passion will always take center stage.
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