How Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina Emerged 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2024

How Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina Emerged 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2024

Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, has done Nigeria proud by finishing as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, held at Arena CDMX, Mexico City, on Saturday, 16th November 2024.

Despite past challenges that could have dimmed her shine, Chidinma stepped on stage with unmatched poise, grace, and determination, earning her a spot in the final two.

This year’s competition saw over 130 contestants from across the globe battling for the coveted crown, but it was Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who clinched the title.

The reigning queen, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, handed over the crown to Victoria amid cheers and applause.

Chidinma wasn’t just a finalist; she was the only African contestant to make it to the top 12, standing tall as a beacon of hope and excellence for the continent.

In the final round, she confidently answered the judges’ question: “Which one is more important to you, to be respected or liked, and why?” With a pause, she responded, “I feel like it’s being respected. We live in a society where we often don’t feel respected because of who we are, and I feel like when you respect yourself, you respect others around you. Respect is very important.” Her words drew loud applause from the audience.

How it unfolded

The competition was nothing short of intense. Contestants participated in various events, from galas and tours to the National Costume Show on 14th November, showcasing creativity and cultural heritage.

By the grand finale, 30 contestants competed in the swimsuit round, narrowing the field to 12 semi-finalists.

Chidimma dazzled during the evening gown segment, where she moved into the top five. The final hurdle was a question-and-answer session, where the judges made their ultimate decision.

Top five finalists

1. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig – Denmark (Winner)
2. Chidinma Adetshina – Nigeria (First Runner-Up)
3. Maria Fernanda Beltran – Mexico (Second Runner-Up)
4. Suchata Chuangsri – Thailand (Third Runner-Up)
5. Ileana Marquez – Venezuela (Fourth Runner-Up)

Resilience

Chidinma’s journey to the global stage wasn’t without its hurdles. Earlier in the year, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant following backlash over her Nigerian heritage. Despite the online trolling, she maintained her focus and proved her mettle on the international stage.

Miss South Africa 2024 winner, Mia Le Roux, withdrew from Miss Universe just before the finale, citing health concerns. A statement on the official Miss Universe South Africa page confirmed her exit, leaving fans surprised as she didn’t appear during the preliminaries.

What Makes a Winner?

The road to victory at Miss Universe is demanding. Contestants spent weeks in Mexico, participating in various activities leading up to the preliminaries. Fans also played a role, voting for their favourites in categories like the Best Costume competition.

Ultimately, the final decision came down to the contestants’ overall performance, confidence, and how they handled the judges’ final questions.

Victoria’s win marks Denmark’s first Miss Universe crown, while Chidinma’s performance has solidified her place as a trailblazer for Nigerian beauty queens.

Source: Guardian