Chidimma Adetshina is Miss Universe First Runner-up

Chidimma Adetshina is Miss Universe First Runner-up

Chidimma Adetshina has made history by becoming the first Nigerian to emerge first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant.

Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria finished as first runner-up and Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico was named second runner-up.

Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela followed – with Pedroza, a 28-year-old mother, making history in the top five after the competition removed several restrictions in recent years.

This year marked the first time in Miss Universe’s 72-year history that women aged over 28 were permitted to enter.

More than two dozen of the finalists were older than would have been allowed in previous years, with Malta’s Beatrice Njoya becoming the first and only woman in her 40s to reach the grand finale.

The age limit’s removal came amid growing calls for the pageant to modernize. Ahead of 2023’s contest, the Miss Universe Organization also lifted a longstanding ban on pregnant women or mothers, and women who are — or ever have been — married.

After the competition, Adetshina took to Instagram to express her gratitude. She recalled how Nigerians supported her during her lowest point, and how Africa as a continent taught her the importance of unity in achieving success.

Adetshina originally competed in the Miss South Africa contest, as she was born and raised in the country.

Chidimma Adetshina is Miss Universe First Runner-up

However, she made headlines a few months ago when she officially withdrew from Miss South Africa 2024 after reaching the final round of the competition in response to concerns expressed by some South Africans who questioned her ties to the country.

Miss Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024. Victoria Kjær Theilvig succeeds to Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Nicaragua. It is the first time a Danish contestant has won Miss Universe.

Miss Mexico, Miss Thailand and Miss Venezuela were respectively ranked second, third and fourth runner-up.

The 73rd edition was a proud moment for Africa. For the first time ever, 18 contestants from the continent competed for the crown. The competition saw 125 countries participate.

This year’s finale featured a performance by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by “Saved by the Bell” star Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.

South Africa Cancels Adetshina Chidimma's ID & Passport

The glitzy pageant began with contestants being narrowed down to a shortlist of 30, based on the results of Thursday’s preliminary event, which included a flamboyant national costume contest.

The semi-finalists then paraded in swimwear, before 12 of them advanced to an evening gown contest.