Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old professional dancer and aspiring lawyer, made history on Saturday night by becoming the first Danish contestant to win the Miss Universe title. Held at the iconic Arena Ciudad de México, the 73rd edition of the prestigious pageant saw contestants from over 120 countries competing for the crown. According to CNN, Theilvig's victory marks a momentous achievement for Denmark, ending the country's decades-long pursuit of the coveted title.
From Søborg to the World Stage
Hailing from the small town of Søborg, Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe Denmark earlier this year. As reported by Missosology, she is a woman of many talents, balancing her pursuit of a Marketing and Economics degree with her passions for dance and music, even producing her own songs available on major streaming platforms. Her journey to Miss Universe 2024 was paved with determination, as Denmark had not seen such success since its runner-up finish in 1963.
A Fierce Competition
This year's pageant was particularly competitive, with standout participants from Nigeria, Mexico, Thailand, and Venezuela. Theilvig's journey to the crown included stunning performances in the national costume, swimwear, and evening gown segments. Her intelligence and poise shone during the final question round, where she delivered a message of resilience and self-belief: "No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strength. It will never define who you are. You just gotta keep fighting." Her response, reported by Marca, captivated both the judges and audience, culminating in a crowning moment that earned rapturous applause from the crowd.
Breaking Barriers and Setting New Standards
This year's Miss Universe competition was historic for reasons beyond Theilvig's victory. According to CNN, for the first time in its 72-year history, the pageant allowed women over the age of 28 to compete, and contestants who were married, mothers, or pregnant were welcomed. Theilvig competed alongside trailblazers like Venezuela's Ileana Márquez Pedroza, a 28-year-old mother who made it to the top five.
Throughout the competition, Theilvig stood out for her advocacy work. She is passionate about empowering women through creative expression and promoting arts education. Speaking about her mission, she said, "I stand here today because I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight."
As Miss Universe 2024, Theilvig will embark on a year of travel, advocacy, and empowerment. Representing the Miss Universe Organisation's mission of inclusivity, she will work to inspire individuals globally, proving that resilience and authenticity lead to extraordinary achievements.
