Ololade Ayelabola, a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has officially earned a place in the Guinness World Records (GWR) for completing the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model. GWR announced her achievement in a recent update on its website.

Ayelabola achieved an extraordinary distance of 125.11 kilometers (77.74 miles) on October 1, 2024, during her record attempt at the Indoor Sports Center of UNILAG. Her remarkable feat shattered the previous record of 114.4 kilometers, which had stood unchallenged for over four decades since it was set in Dublin, Ireland, in 1983 by Roberta Brown and Lorraine McCourt.

In an Instagram post celebrating her achievement, Ayelabola shared an inspiring message with her followers, encouraging them to pursue their goals without fear. “Dare to dream and make your dream a reality,” she wrote.

Throughout her record-breaking walk, Ayelabola showcased an array of outfits designed by Nigerian creators, including pieces from the UNILAG Theater Arts Department. At the time of her attempt, she was still pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

Ayelabola revealed that her motivation for attempting the record stemmed from the biases and discrimination faced by models during auditions. In a report from 2024, the former beauty queen highlighted the challenges many talented models encounter due to rigid industry standards. “What prompted me to attempt this is the stereotyping I’ve noticed in the fashion industry. In modeling, there’s this perception that success is reserved for those who fit a certain height or appearance. I have seen many skilled models overlooked because of these stereotypes,” she expressed.

Her groundbreaking achievement not only sets a new benchmark in the modeling world but also delivers a powerful message against the limitations imposed by industry norms. Ayelabola’s success stands as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the possibility of breaking barriers in pursuit of one’s dreams.