International Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark crowned the new Miss Universe

The new Miss Universe comes from Denmark and her name is Victoria Kjær Theilvig. At the 73rd edition of the beauty contest in Mexico City, the 21-year-old was chosen from a total of 127 candidates. The tiara was placed on her head by her predecessor Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua. Switzerland was represented by Laura Bircher from Nidwalden. "I will do my best to represent Switzerland in a dignified manner on the national and international stage and to be particularly committed to social issues," said Bircher in the run-up to the elections.

For the first time, there was no maximum age limit for participation after this was lifted by the organizers. Previously, only women between the ages of 18 and 28 were allowed to compete for the beauty crown. The oldest competitor in the Arena Ciudad de México was the Cameroon-born Miss Malta, Beatrice Njoya, who is 40 years old and has three children.

The competition, which has been held since 1952, has taken steps towards more inclusion in recent years. A year ago, married and divorced women as well as mothers were admitted for the first time, and in 2018 Miss Spain was the first trans woman to take part.

SDA