SPOTLIGHT: Ololade Ayelabola, the model who walked 130km to break 41-year record

After being denied modelling gigs twice due to her height, Ololade Ayelabola turned what many would have termed adversity into an opportunity. She created her runway that became a platform for marginalised models.  On October 1, Ayelabola would embark on a remarkable journey to break the 41-year Guinness World Record for the longest walk by a model. In her thinking, the attempt was not to score an achievement but to challenge stereotypes and advocate diversity in the fashion industry.  In this interview with TheCable’s Sulaimon Muhibat, Ololade opens up about her GWR attempt, her passion for fashion, and her vision for a more inclusive modelling industry.

TheCable Lifestyle: What are your interests?

Ololade: Aside from being a final-year student at the University of Lagos, I’m also a project manager and a voice-over artist. I grew up in Ibadan but I’m from Ekiti state. My primary and secondary education was in Ibadan. Even though I’m a science student, I have a natural flair for art and culture, modelling, fashion, and beauty pageants. I have over six years of experience in modelling and I started as a pageant queen. I won Miss Aminat 2019, Face of Akoka 2019, Miss Unique 2019 and Most Beautiful Campus Queen Nigeria 2021.

TheCable Lifestyle: What motivated you to pursue this GWR attempt?

Ololade: I attempted it because of what happened last year. I auditioned for two fashion weeks in Lagos and I got rejected. They were like I was short, not up to the height requirement but I walked well. I’m good at what I do, but because of the height requirement, I could not be a part of the show. So, I thought so many other models were talented and professional, but because of one stereotype or another, they could not pursue their dreams. I decided to create a stage where we have models who seem to have been stereotyped to showcase their talents. So I called out for models with albino, vitiligo, and tribal marks and allowed everybody to share the stage with me. I passed across the message that fashion is universal and beauty knows no limit.

TheCable Lifestyle: Can you talk more about the moment you decide to take on the unique challenge?

Ololade: I had to apply to the Guinness World Record, got the rules and regulations then started working on my team. I had a team of volunteers and professionals. We drew out the budget and started planning.

TheCable Lifestyle: What was your support system like during the preparation process?

Ololade: My family and friends were involved in the whole preparation. My support system was great. There were times I was really tired and I thought of quitting the challenge. During this time, I would just pick one or two persons to vent to and they would encourage me. My mum, aunt, cousin and elder sister were always calling to check up and ask how it was going.

TheCable Lifestyle: How did you prepare physically and mentally for the record attempt?

Ololade: I had an intense training. I trained with coach Tony Osheku, he is a coach that trains world athletes. I did his training in the morning for about 4 hours and gym training in the evening for about 2 hours. I had catwalk training on Saturdays and Sundays. I had to change my meal plan as well. I had a nurse for a while who was checking my meal. I also went for a medical test. I prayed too; there was prayer going through all these and hard work. Anytime I was exhausted I was not holding it in. There were people I called to vent about my emotions and it helped me.

TheCable Lifestyle: How did you balance your academics with preparing for such a physically demanding attempt?

Ololade: It was tough but the preparation started mentally first. I had to look at my timetable and prioritise. When the semester resumed, I got familiar with the courses I had and did not miss classes. At some point, I started giving more attention to the event and put the team together. During exams, I prioritised academics again. So it was just about prioritising and scheduling my time. I was also sleeping just for a few hours. It was mentally draining because of the final year project but I was prepared.

TheCable Lifestyle: Can you describe what the experience was like during the walk?

Ololade: It was all shades of drama, fun and resilience. It was all shades of drama because a lot of issues came up like the generator being on fire at a point. I saw people with determination, what true friendship meant, what it meant to sacrifice for somebody, and people spending their money just to make sure the event continued. At some point, my leg was out but I kept on going irrespective of the pain. There was just this passion in my heart that was not put out by the pain I went through. In the end, I’m very happy and thankful it was a walk of victory.

TheCable Lifestyle: What were the biggest challenges you achieved and how did you overcome them?

Ololade: The first major challenge I faced was funding. The cost for the event was N100 million. Sponsors did not come through so the money used was individual funds and donations. Even though the event is over, we still need over N10 million for some expenses. The second challenge was still walking even when I heard about the generator being on fire. There was a point, I was also sleepwalking. So the major challenges were funding and trying to stay focused when I heard some information that was not good. I was able to overcome these challenges because I had people who were working, supportive people who gave their money and stood by me.

TheCable Lifestyle: What were the most memorable moments during the attempt?

Ololade: The most memorable moment was seeing all the models walk together, seeing their efforts come to reality. The moment I broke the previous record was also memorable. Every moment was memorable really.

TheCable Lifestyle: What impact do you hope your accomplishments will have on the modelling industry and beyond?

Ololade: I hope inclusivity will be embraced more and look beyond the stereotypes. Look into the talent and passion that drives the models and give them a chance to shine. To models, I hope they can take a step of faith in their dreams and go for it.

TheCable Lifestyle: What next for Ololade?

Ololade: Working with big brands. I look forward to working with brands like Samsung, Fenty, and Prada. Also, be the voice-over artist for some companies.