Adut Akech beats out top supermodels to be crowned No. 1 model in the world

Aussie model Adut Akech has knocked-off Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber to be named the No. 1 model in the world. But it hasn’t been an easy road to success, with the beauty opening up about suffering depression and anxiety.

Aussie model Adut Akech has knocked-off Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber to be named the No. 1 model in the world.

Days after placed at the pinnacle of her industry by the top designers and fashion editors on models.com, the South Australian beauty has opened up about suffering from depression and anxiety.

Adut Akech has been named the No. 1 model in the world. Picture: Toby Zerna

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“Every single day of my life in 2018 was a challenge, filled with some serious obstacles to overcome,” Akech said.

“I would wake up every morning crying but put the biggest smile on my face and tried my hardest to push through the day pretending I was fine, then I’d come home and cry some more and go to sleep.

“I don’t know how I’m still here today but I’m so grateful.”

Supermodel Gigi Hadid is one of the most recognised models in the world. Picture: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Kaia Gerber won Model of the Year Award at the British Fashion Awards in 2018. Picture: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP

Akech, 19, was the breakout model of 2018, featuring in American Vogue, British Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris and Australian Vogue.

She also made history being the second black model to be selected by Karl Largerfeld as his Chanel bride.

The Sudanese teen said she decided to open up about her mental health hoping to help others who may also be suffering.

She recently opened up about her mental health issues in hopes of helping other people. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

Akech has walked for runways locally and across the world. Picture: AFP Photo/Miguel Medina

“I’ve suffered from really bad depression and anxiety for a while now and I still do but I’m learning to handle it better now but it's a daily struggle and not every day is a good day,” she said.

“The main reason I didn’t want to talk about my depression and anxiety was I didn’t want people to look at me differently.

“It took me a long time to learn and understand the importance of speaking to someone about your feelings.”

Originally published as Adut Akech beats out top supermodels to be crowned No. 1 model in the world