Miss Teen USA Is Eliminating the Swimsuit Competition for a Very Good Reason
While beauty pageants have always faced their fair share of flack when it comes to certain aspects of their competitions, there has been one particular portion that creates more hate than any other. That would be the swimsuit portion. Now, in an effort to encourage fitness over pure bod-flaunting, Teen Miss USA will drop the swimsuit competition and instead introduce an activewear sporting section.
With Teen Miss USA aimed at younger ladies, aged 15 to 19 years old, the pageant hopes that this change will encourage female empowerment and physical fitness. “This decision reflects an important cultural shift we’re all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same,” said Miss Universe president Paula Shugart.
She then continued, “Our hope is that this decision will help all of Miss Teen USA’s fans recognize these young women for the strong, inspiring individuals they are.” Heck yeah!
Katherine Haik, who currently holds the coveted title, praised the decision, saying, “This new direction for Miss Teen USA is a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers.”
Though there’s nothing wrong with showing off whatchu got in a stylish swimsuit, in this instance, we think athletic wear is the totally on-point option.
Do you like this Teen Miss USA change or should they leave the swimsuit competition alone? Should Miss USA follow suit? Tweet us @BritandCo!
(h/t USA Today, photos via Miss Teen USA)
