"Girls don't just get to the top for no reason."
Titled Russian beauty Valentina Alekseeva, 18, represented the country at the Miss Universe pageant. She did not win, but she entered the top 12 on the international stage, which has not happened to Russian women for many years. In an exclusive interview with Izvestia on the way to the homeland, the girl talked about how she was received by Mexico and contestants from other countries, the scandal with a contestant from Panama, and whether there is truth in stereotypes about competitions for the most beautiful.
"I was prepared for the fact that anything can happen at the world contest".
- Valentina, why did you personally want to participate in a beauty contest - first in your hometown, then at the All-Russian stage, and then at the world contest?
- For me it is a point of growth. I was inspired to participate in Miss Universe by the opportunity to show the world that women can be not only beautiful, but also smart, strong and self-confident. I wanted to be an example for other girls. This contest is a unique platform to express yourself, share your values and ideas, and meet amazing people from all over the world.
Valentina Alekseeva, winner of the Miss Russia 2024 title, during a fashion show in national costumes at the Miss Universe 2024 beauty pageant in Moscow, Russia
- How did the organizers, presenters, other contestants treat the Russian representative? Did you face heath like Anna Linnikova in 2022, and did you prepare for the fact that it is possible? For example, Miss Russia - 2023 Margarita Golubeva told Izvestia that before participating in Miss Universe she plans to work with a psychologist to be morally prepared for such a thing.
- There are a lot of questions about how Russia is treated at such contests. In fact, everything is fine. There were no conflicts with anyone. I socialized with absolutely all the girls. The organizers also treated me well. The atmosphere was very friendly. Yes, I was prepared that anything could happen at the world contest. But there was no heatedness or negativity towards me. I went to this contest with a positive attitude, and that's why, I think, everything ended well.
- Did you like Mexico?
- I was struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere and the unique blend of modern and tradition that was felt in every corner. I was amazed by the beauty of nature and the vibrancy of the city, as well as the incredible energy of the people.
"We signed a contract that had certain clauses in it"
- This year's pageant was not without scandal - a contestant from Panama, model Itali Mora, was disqualified. They say for leaving her hotel for a date. It's almost monastic. How strict are they? What conditions do the girls have to abide by?
- Yes, it's true - we had a girl from Panama expelled. But we were all warned. Before participating in the competition, we signed a contract that had certain clauses, and if the rules were not followed, we could be disqualified. I think it was right, because discipline is very important in any contest. You can't go anywhere without it.
- The contest is often criticized for objectifying women and imposing beauty standards. And this year the organizers have abolished some restrictions. Do you think it is right? If there are no standards, criteria, then how to choose the winner?
- In "Miss Universe" now a girl of any age can participate, she can have children. And I like that. It is very interesting to communicate with different people. Organizers evaluate not only the appearance, but also the inner world of the contestant - what is her upbringing, education, what she does in life.
- There are many stereotypes about beauty contests, often not the most flattering. For example, that the contestants build each other intrigues, that everything is bought, and girls are promoted by powerful men. What of this is true and what is a myth?
- There are so many people, so many opinions. I can't argue with everyone. I just know that every contestant who is on the pageant has earned this place. She earned it through hard work. And this is a colossal labor and a lot of work!
Victoria Kjær Teilvig of Denmark, who won the Miss Universe 2024 pageant
- The title of "Miss Universe - 2024" was won by Victoria Kjær, a model from Denmark. But all the girls were beautiful and charming. Why do you think it was her who was awarded the crown?
- I am very happy for the winner! I think she is an incredibly beautiful girl. She has a difficult but very interesting year ahead of her. Now we can only wish her strength. But she is a very hard worker. I think that's why she won. In general, I am happy for each contestant who got to the top, because girls do not get to the top just like that. For this you need not only to perform beautifully in the finals, but also to work throughout the competition, and work very, very hard.
- You combined participation in competitions with graduation from school and enrollment in university. How did your parents see it?
- Of course, they are very supportive of me, for which I am grateful. And not only my parents, but also my relatives and friends. I felt a lot of support in social networks from compatriots. And I am grateful to everyone who took a moment to write me warm wishes, which helped me a lot in the final.
- What are your plans now?
- I am a student at Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University. This is one of the hardest universities, so as soon as I arrive, I will plunge straight into my studies. It will not be easy, but I am sure I will succeed.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
