Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Hector Vivas/Getty Pictures
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark has taken the title of Miss Universe 2024.
Kjaer, 21, was the primary Danish contestant to take house the tiara on the 73rd Miss Universe last on Saturday, November 16, in Mexico Metropolis, introduced by Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, per the Related Press. The pageant was held within the Mexico Metropolis Area. Kjaer was topped by her predecessor Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, who took house the title in 2023.
Within the last spherical of the competitors on Saturday, Kjaer was requested about probably the most important high quality Miss Universe ought to possess.
“A Miss Universe should be an emblem of empathy and motion,” she replied. “She should hearken to the world’s challenges and use her platform to create tangible change. This implies advocating for the unvoiced, whether or not they’re animals or individuals who want a champion.”
Savannah Gankiewicz is formally the brand new Miss USA. Gankiewicz, 28, was topped in a ceremony on Wednesday, Might 15, at Hawaii’s Alohilani Resort Waikiki Seashore. She replaces her predecessor, Noelia Voigt, who gave up her crown earlier this month to concentrate on her psychological well being. Gankiewicz, a mannequin and nonprofit chief from Maui, will serve […]
Kjaer is a self-described animal safety advocate, entrepreneur and former aggressive dancer. She beat out 120 different contestants within the 2024 competitors, together with Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, who positioned second, and Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran Figueroa, who positioned third.
“First dawn as Miss Universe 🌅👑,” Kjaer wrote through Instagram on Sunday, November 17, alongside a carousel of photographs carrying her Miss Universe tiara, sash and a bathrobe as she posed in her resort room. “Waking up with gratitude, goals, and a crown—able to embrace this unbelievable journey.”
Right here’s 5 issues to find out about 2024’s Miss Universe:
She Is the First Danish Miss Universe
Born in Søborg, Denmark, Kjaer grew up in Copenhagen and is the primary Danish contestant within the 73-year-history of Miss Universe to take house the crown. Previous to her Miss Universe win, she was topped Miss Universe Denmark in September 2024.
Kjaer Is the First Blond Miss Universe in 20 Years
Jennifer Hawkins of Australia was the final contestant with blond hair to win Miss Universe in 2004, the identical 12 months Kjaer was born.
She Is an Animal Rights Advocate
Kjaer is a self-described animal rights and welfare advocate. In October 2024, after she was topped Miss Universe Denmark, Kjaer visited a Danish animal safety group to boost consciousness for uncared for animals.
“Each small motion counts – whether or not it’s volunteering, spreading consciousness, or just exhibiting kindness to animals,” she wrote through Instagram on the time, alongside a video of her go to to the shelter. “Collectively, by means of our shared efforts, we will construct a extra sustainable and equitable world.”
She Is a Skilled Dancer
Earlier than she began her journey to Miss Universe, Kjaer was knowledgeable dancer and dance trainer. “Dance has all the time been my escape, my approach to specific myself and join with others,” she advised Preview in a post-pageant interview.
She Runs Her Personal Jewellery Enterprise
Kjaer has a bachelor’s diploma in enterprise and advertising and presently works within the jewellery trade, specializing in diamond gross sales. Nevertheless, the younger entrepreneur began her personal eyelash extension firm at solely 16.
“I like to attach with my prospects, I like to make them really feel at house,” she shared in an interview with Dyan Castillejo posted through Instagram. “If there’s one thing of their coronary heart they need to share, I’m all the time there to hear and for me that’s such a healthful expertise whereas being inventive.”