Chidimma Adetshina makes history as first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024
Chidimma Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has made history by becoming the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant.
The grand finale of the Miss Universe 2024 beauty pageant ended in Mexico City on Sunday morning, with Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig taking home the crown.
Theilvig defeated Adetshina in the final, while contestants from Bolivia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Russia, Chile, Thailand, Canada and Peru also made it to the top 12.
Chidimma’s journey to the top was remarkable. She impressed judges and the audience with her thoughtful answers on diversity and human respect.
Initially, she made it to the top 30 finalists and gradually rose to the top five contenders, ultimately securing the top two spots alongside Theilvig.
Theilvig, however, took over the crown from Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
Chidimma’s feat means she is the first Nigerian woman to take the second spot — following in the footsteps of Agbani Darego was a contestant at Miss Universe 2001.
Darego became the first Nigerian to place among the top 10 semi-finalists, finishing seventh overall.
Agbani Darego holds Nigeria’s #MissUniverse record with a top 10 finish in 2001. Can Chidinma Adetshina break this record tonight?
Agbani won Miss World later that year becoming the first and only African to hold the position till date.
🎥: @AbelTv001 pic.twitter.com/EQOBLnyBd8
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—CableLifestyle (@CableLifestyle) November 17, 2024
Chidimma’s path to Miss Universe was not without controversy. Born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, she faced criticism and withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant due to her nationality.
However, Silverbird Group, organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria, invited her to participate, and she was crowned the pageant’s winner.
Recently, Chidimma revealed she waited seven years to be able to walk the Miss Universe stage.
“Win or not I am so proud of myself and filled with so much joy and fulfilment for I am about to accomplish what once seemed impossible. I envisioned this moment and I’m about to make it a reality,” she had said.
“This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma. The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving, however I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.
“This achievement is not just mine but it’s for NIGERIA, it’s for AFRICA. Your support and encouragement has been the fuel to my fire.”
