Get to know Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Theilvig
A new era has begun.
Denmark's Victoria Kjaer Theilvig has been crowned the 73rd Miss Universe, marking a historic win for her country. This is the first time since 1957 that Denmark has landed in the top five of the competition, which took place on Sunday, Nov. 17 (Philippine time) in Mexico City.
In a stunning victory, Theilvig became the first Danish woman to claim the Miss Universe crown, defeating 124 other contestants, including the Philippines' Chelsea Manalo.
Likewise, Theilvig's win makes her the first woman to wear the first Filipino-crafted Miss Universe crown, “Lumière de l’Infini” (The Light of Infinity). This crown features a rare golden South Sea pearl etched in the middle of sun rays.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina is the first runner-up, while Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico was named the second runner-up. Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangs and Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez Pedroza were named third and fourth runner-up, respectively.
To learn more about the newly crowned Miss Universe queen, continue reading below.
Animal protection advocate
Theilvig, an aspiring lawyer, is not just a beauty queen but also a powerful advocate for animal protection.
In her Voice for the Change entry, which allowed delegates to share their thoughts on social concerns and fields, the 20-year-old stunner discussed the importance of animal protection. She shared stories of rescued animals and the impact of her advocacy work on their lives.
According to her, she advocates for animal protection because "animals suffer in silence" and they "don't have a voice to speak up for their own rights, and cannot advocate for their own well-being."
"True beauty contains compassion, empathy and courage to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. By advocating for animal protection, we not only highlight the importance of kindness, but also showcase the beauty of shared humanity," she said.
Theilvig continued, "Animal protection is vital to achieving several of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. By promoting animal rights, we are making a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable planet for all living beings."
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Pageant veteran
Theilvig stepped into pageantry in 2021 when she joined Miss Danmark. Out of 32 candidates, she was hailed as the second runner-up.
The following year, the 21-year-old beauty queen waved Denmark's flag as she represented her country in the 2022 Miss Grand International pageant and finished in the Top 20. During that time, Isabella Menin of Brazil won the title.
In an Instagram post, Miss Universe Denmark said that Theilvig pageant's journey is a reflection of her "perseverance, compassion and her drive to be a force for good, a voice for the unheard, and a leader whose words and actions transform the lives she touches."
An entrepreneur and former pro dancer
Theilvig's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. With a bachelor's degree in marketing and business, she was able to follow her entrepreneurial dreams and become a successful jeweler specializing in diamond sales.
As per the Latin Times, Theilvig also hopes to use her entrepreneurial background to mentor and inspire young women to enter business and pageantry.
"I believe in empowering women to break barriers and redefine what it means to succeed. We are capable of achieving greatness in any field we choose," she said.
Meanwhile, Miss Denmark's organizers also reported that Theilvig is a certified European and World Championship dancer.
