Ololade Ayelabola, a model and final-year Computer Science student at the University of Lagos, has made history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked on a catwalk.
She achieved an incredible 130.62 km, completing 2,058 laps at the Indoor Sports Centre of the University of Lagos.
Her remarkable feat surpassed the previous record of 114.4 km, set 41 years ago in Ireland by Roberta Brown and Lorraine McCourt in 1983.
Initially aiming for 120 km over 96 hours, Ololade exceeded her target, starting on October 1st, 2024—Nigeria’s Independence Day—and finishing on October 5th.
For Ololade, this achievement was about more than breaking a world record. It was also a bold statement to challenge stereotypes in the fashion industry and promote inclusivity.
After facing rejection from fashion shows due to her height, she created a platform for all models to shine, regardless of appearance.
Sharing her triumph on Instagram, Ololade expressed her emotions: “I DID IT EVERYONE!ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ MY RECORD IS SET🥳🥹 There were difficulties but I stood through it. There were pains but I refused to cower🥹.”
