Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe runner-up at the just concluded 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, has announced her decision to quit pageantry.
Speaking during a recent interview with Silverbird TV, Adetshina said pageantry has been a traumatic experience for her.
She said she’s quitting for personal reasons and relocating to Nigeria from her estranged country, South Africa.
“Finishing in the top 2 [at the Miss Universe competition] is still a shocker for me… Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me,” she said.
“People still don’t understand how I felt. There were times when I almost quit during the Miss Universe contest. I’m really done with pageantry. I want to focus on myself and establish who I am. And forward my education as well.”
In another interview with BBC Pidgin, Adetshina revealed that she will take a break from pageants to focus on her education, modeling, and acting career.
“I want to put pageantry aside for now and focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma truly is,” she said.
“I want to delve more into runway modeling, acting, and explore many other areas. There are so many things I would like to try and see where my potential can take me.”
The final moments of the prestigious event at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.
Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig took home the crown, defeating 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.
After finishing as 1st runner-up at the Miss Universe competition, Adetshina was named Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
She won Miss Nigeria after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa contest after she attracted scrutiny over her nationality.
The model also discussed the controversy, stating that she would divulge details as soon as she understood the matter.
“People are really interested in the story. And like I said, I haven’t gone home yet, I haven’t heard anything, and I haven’t sat down with a lawyer or anything. So I can’t just talk about things,” she said.
“Once I get everything sorted out, I will definitely open up and give people clarity on the matter.”
