Miss SA Mia Le Roux pulls out of Miss Universe competition
Le Roux, the first hearing-impaired winner in the competition's 66-year history, was crowned Miss South Africa in August this year.
Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux. Picture: Instagram/@official_misssa
JOHANNESBURG - Miss South Africa 2024 winner Mia Le Roux will not be competing in this year's Miss Universe pageant, citing health concerns.
The organisation issued a statement early on Friday morning confirming the news. The Miss Universe competition was set to take place this weekend.
"Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health," the Miss South Africa organisation's statement read.
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Le Roux, the first hearing-impaired winner in the competition's 66-year history, was crowned Miss South Africa in August this year. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss when she was a year old and relies on a cochlear implant.
Of her absence at the Miss Universe competition, Le Roux said she was "profoundly thankful" for the "unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe."
"Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed on me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength," Le Roux said.
The Miss SA winner has been in the host region Mexico City for the 73rd annual pageant since the end of October. When she first departed, she said she was ready to "go break barriers".