Aspirant fashion model walks runway in pain, bags spot in top 3
The model has encouraged others to never give up on a dream.
NOT even a sprained back could stop aspiring model, Lauren Juistien, from shining at the Miss Runway Fashion Walk 2020. She triumphed over 50 contestants to place in the top three in KZN at the Blue Waters Hotel on Saturday, 3 October.
“Words can not describe the amount of excitement and nervousness I had running through me all at once. I was excited because I was doing what I love and enjoy doing which is being on the runway. I was nervous because 50 contestants are a lot. We all were there for the same goal and purpose, to take the crown, so who wouldn’t be nervous?” said the bubbly personality.
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She admitted that she was a bit disappointed to not take the pageant queen title home because, “Honestly, no one enters a pageant to be second best.”
“However, considering the number of strong competitors I was up against, and modelling with a sprained back, I was more surprised when they called my name in the top five. That alone was an achievement, but wow, second place is a great accomplishment and I am extremely proud of myself.”
She encouraged others to never give up on a dream and emphasised that one may still reinvent themselves to be who they’ve always aspired to be.
“I grew up in a community that looked down upon people and does not motivate the next person. You immediately get judged the moment you tell anyone where you are from. I never allowed that to stop me, and even though I do not physically stay there anymore, I will forever continue to carry the name and represent a community that is seen to everyone else as ‘hopeless’.
And how exactly did she sprain her back? “Funny story, everyone thought I was joking during rehearsals the day before when I could feel my back starting to pull. It’s not easy being in 4-inch heels for almost eight hours straight, and another almost 11 hours on the day.”
“I was in so much pain, and could not even take any anti-inflammatory, because it would not be a good outcome being drowsy on stage. I pushed through, despite being told otherwise. I did exactly that, and have no regrets of not allowing pains or sprains to stop me,” she added.
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