Victoria Kjer Teilvig, representing Denmark, won the “Miss Universe 2024” international beauty contest. This is the first time in the history of the contest that the title has gone to a participant from this Scandinavian country, daily.afisha.ru reports with reference to CNN.

Tailwig, 21, beat out more than 120 competitors from around the world. The highlight of the evening was the moment when the crown was handed over from the previous winner, Shannyse Palacios from Nicaragua.

In the final round, five contestants answered questions about leadership qualities and fortitude. Tailwig impressed the jury with her candid answer that she would not change her life even if there was no judgment from society. “I live life to the fullest every day,” she emphasized.

Chidimma Adetshin (Nigeria) came in second, while Maria Fernanda Beltran (Mexico) came in third. The top five also included Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand) and Ileana Marquez Pedrosa (Venezuela). Notably, Pedrosa became the first 28-year-old finalist in the history of the contest, which was made possible by the recent lifting of age restrictions.

The competition has undergone significant changes to make it more inclusive: not only have age restrictions been lifted, but married women, mothers and pregnant participants have also been allowed to participate.