Ten days ago, Olivia (left) was vacationing with her family in Disneyland when she heard that Ford Models was conducting its search for the 2009 Ford Supermodel of the World. On a whim, the blonde, 5'10" 16-year-old Seattle girl entered the intense, day-long competition, which involved interviews, measurements and walking for a panel of judges. By that evening, she had beat out over 1,000 contestants on both coasts to win the U.S. portion of the contest. Olivia (her last name has not been released) now has a contract with Ford and will go on to compete for the worldwide title in Brazil this January.
Why did you decide to enter the contest?
I knew I had the height, and my mom said that I should try for the experience and free [beauty] samples. We never thought I'd win.
Because of your height, did people often say that you should be a model?
Yeah, I'd been told that -- and that I could be a basketball player.
Tell us about the competition.
It was strange to put myself in the running for a contest with the words "Supermodel of the World" attached, but I forgot about it after a while. It's kind of a blur now, but I mostly remember the long wait in line. Once it got moving, I filled out forms, met with hair and makeup stylists, answered a lot of questions about myself, walked in front of judges in heels, got measured, had photos taken and answered more questions. I had butterflies the whole time. It was very much like auditions for a play or musical, but instead of hoping that my voice would be on -- I've always wanted to be an actor or singer -- I was hoping that I could walk in heels.
How did you feel when you won?
It's hard to describe that moment because I felt like it wasn't really happening to me, but it was awesome. My life hasn't changed much yet -- I'm still babysitting and going to school.
What would you be doing these days if you hadn't won?
I would be focused on singing, going out for school productions and driving more so that I don't have to repeat driver's ed.
What do you do in your spare time?
I babysit every weekend. I also love practicing character impersonations with my brothers.
What did you know about the modeling industry before this all happened?
I only knew what I saw on America's Next Top Model, which scared me on some level because of all of the drama. I look at every ad differently now, and I do know that modeling isn't a reality television show.
Check back next Tuesday for the next installment of "The Skinny." Read our previous model Q&As here.
Photos: Courtesy of Ford Models
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