Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe 2024, marking a historic moment as the first Danish contestant to win the title in the competition’s 72-year history. The 21-year-old, a competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, triumphed over more than 120 contestants at the grand finale in Mexico City on Saturday night.
A Night of Glamour and Milestones
Theilvig accepted the tiara from Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the 2023 titleholder, amidst applause from her fellow contestants. The star-studded event featured a performance by Robin Thicke and was co-hosted by Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo.
The competition included several rounds:
- Preliminary Events: Featured national costume showcases.
- Swimwear and Evening Gown Rounds: Narrowed the field to the top 12.
- Final Questions: Focused on topics like leadership and resilience.
Theilvig’s standout response came when asked how she would live differently if nobody judged her. She confidently stated, “I live by each day,” emphasizing her authenticity and resilience. Her closing message urged viewers to “keep fighting … no matter where you come from.”
Top Contestants and Historic Changes
- First Runner-Up: Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria.
- Second Runner-Up: Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico.
- Top Five: Included Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand) and Ileana Marquez Pedroza (Venezuela), with Pedroza making history as a mother competing in the finals.
This year’s pageant was notable for its groundbreaking inclusivity:
- Women over 28 were allowed to compete for the first time.
- Malta’s Beatrice Njoya became the first woman in her 40s to reach the grand finale.
- The competition lifted bans on married women, mothers, and pregnant contestants.
Victoria Theilvig’s Journey and Impact- Denmark
Theilvig’s win is a milestone for Denmark, bringing global recognition to the country in a contest dominated by nations with longstanding pageant traditions. “I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight,” she declared during the event, encapsulating her trailblazing spirit.
Her victory also reflects a broader transformation in Miss Universe, as it adapts to modern values of inclusivity and empowerment, setting the stage for a more diverse and inspiring future.
