CEBU, Philippines — Victoria Kjær Theilvig was crowned the newest titleholder of Miss Universe, becoming the first delegate from Denmark to win the crown.
Before Miss Universe
Victoria, who turned 21 years old just days before her coronation, is a jewelry entrepreneur and competitive dancer who participated in professional tournaments.
She graduated from Lyngby Handelsgymnasium in Kongens Lyngby with a Business and Marketing degree.
Her Voice for Change advocacy centered on animal welfare and protection, and she also advocates for mental health awareness.
According to the Danish organization of Miss Universe, the beauty queen aspires to study Law, hopefully in the prestigious Harvard University.
She previously competed at Miss Grand International two years ago where a teenage Victoria finished in the Top 20. That title ultimately went to Brazil’s Isabella Menin, a first for the South American country.
Emma Heyst was initially supposed to represent Denmark at this year’s Miss Universe, but she withdrew due to a lack of preparation, and that’s when Victoria stepped in, setting her path to the crown.
Denmark
Denmark is not considered a strong contender at Miss Universe, averaging first or second round exits since the very first pageant.
The country’s highest placement was Aino Korva as the runner-up to Brazil’s Iêda Maria Vargas, while the last time it avoided an early exit was Žaklina Šojic in 2007 when Miss Universe was last held in Mexico.
This marks Denmark’s second major pageant win after Catharina Svensson’s Miss Earth in 2001.
Victoria is the latest European to win Miss Universe since France’s Iris Mittenaere in 2016, who was crowned in the Philippines, and the first blonde winner since Australia’s Jennifer Hawkins in 2004.
For comparison, Victoria was only several months old when Jennifer when was crowned and Victoria just became a teenager when Iris won. – Philstar.com