Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark made history by winning the prestigious Miss Universe 2024 competition, becoming the first Dane to achieve this honor. The 21-year-old, known for her talents in competitive dancing, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her aspirations to become a lawyer, outshone over 120 other contestants to claim the coveted title in Mexico City.
The grand finale, held on Saturday night, featured a dazzling performance by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo. The event showcased the top 30 contestants who were selected based on their performances in the preliminary rounds, which included a vibrant national costume contest. The competition then progressed to the swimwear and evening gown segments before narrowing down to the final five.
During the question and answer round, Theilvig impressed the judges with her responses on topics like leadership and resilience. Her poignant words about living authentically and encouraging others to keep fighting resonated with the audience.
Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria secured the first runner-up position, followed by Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico as the second runner-up. Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela also made it to the top five, with Pedroza making history as a 28-year-old mother breaking barriers in the competition.
This year's Miss Universe pageant marked a significant milestone as it removed age restrictions, allowing women over 28 to participate. The decision to modernize the competition also included lifting bans on pregnant women, mothers, and married contestants, reflecting a more inclusive approach.
Delegates from various countries were selected through local pageants licensed by the Miss Universe Organization. Notable inclusions this year were Cuba, Belarus, Eritrea, and the United Arab Emirates, with Saudi Arabia dispelling rumors of its debut in the 2024 pageant.
Despite the glitz and glamour of the event, some national-level contests faced controversies, such as Miss Universe South Africa and Miss Universe Nicaragua, highlighting the challenges and complexities within the pageant world.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig's victory not only symbolizes her personal achievement but also represents a step towards diversity and empowerment in the realm of beauty pageants. Her win will inspire aspiring contestants worldwide to pursue their dreams with determination and grace.
