In a celebratory second for Egyptian illustration on the worldwide stage, 34-year-old mannequin, make-up artist, and TV presenter Logina Salah made historical past on the Miss Universe 2024 pageant held in Mexico Metropolis.
For the primary time within the occasion’s 73-year historical past, an Egyptian contestant secured a spot within the prime 30.
A Historic Evening
The glitzy finale passed off on Sunday 17 November, culminating with Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, beingtopped because the winner – a primary for Denmark.
Egypt’s Salah competed towards over 120 contestants.
The occasion featured performances by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
Reflecting on her achievement reaching the highest 30, Salah expressed to Arab Information her gratitude for the current modifications within the pageant’s guidelines, which now enable for higher inclusivity. “I really feel just like the world is getting nearer to together with all people.”
This shift enabled her to pursue a long-held dream of collaborating in a pageant – a dream she had as soon as put aside for her daughter.
A Journey of Resilience
Logina Salah’s story goes past magnificence; it’s a message of resilience. Residing with vitiligo (a pores and skin situation characterised by the lack of pigment, leading to white patches on the pores and skin) that led to bullying in her youth, she has remodeled her challenges right into a supply of energy.
She goals to encourage others, particularly younger women and girls, by dwelling unapologetically and fearlessly. “I don’t come day by day and discuss vitiligo on my platform, however dwelling my life in a optimistic method is a message,” she mentioned to Bazaar, stressing that her journey is about extra than simply aesthetics.
Salah’s platform, Past The Floor Motion, focuses on elevating consciousness of social points and selling pores and skin positivity. By way of her substantial social media presence, she conjures up others to embrace their individuality and query typical magnificence requirements.
The Legacy of Egyptian Contestants
Logina’s achievement is a part of a broader narrative of Egyptian ladies collaborating within the Miss Universe pageant.
In 2019, Diana Hamed represented Egypt and was topped Miss Egypt Universe earlier than competing within the worldwide occasion. Although she didn’t win, Hamed described her expertise as invaluable, full of private progress and camaraderie with contestants from around the globe.
Earlier than Hamed, Egypt had an occasional presence within the pageant, however Logina’s prime 30 placement has reignited curiosity and hope for future contestants. The brand new period of inclusivity in pageantry may very properly result in extra Egyptian ladies taking the stage, to showcase their magnificence, mind, and expertise.
Wanting Forward
Salah’s achievements sign a brighter future for Egyptian illustration in worldwide magnificence contests and function an inspiration for ladies in all places.
Together with her daughter by her facet, Salah continues to chase her goals whereas setting a strong instance of resilience and dedication.
“Being your mother will at all times be my best achievement, earlier than any title or something I’ve in my life,” she shared on Instagram.
