Lebanon's Yasmina Zaytoun has soared to success as the first runner-up at the prestigious Miss World 2024 pageant held in India. Overflowing with joy, she credits her victory to relentless hard work and a heartfelt dedication to her homeland.
In an interview with Arab News, Zaytoun expressed her elation, emphasizing that her greatest achievement was putting Lebanon in the global spotlight. She reflected on the platform she had to raise awareness about crucial issues like the Beirut blast, women's and children's rights, and ongoing conflicts, portraying herself as a beacon of hope for Arab women everywhere.
Also read: Who is Yasmina Zaytoun, Miss Lebanon 2022? Here's all you want to know
Hailing from the village of Kfarchouba in southern Lebanon, the 21-year-old beauty queen highlighted the historical significance of her accomplishment as the first Arab woman to secure the Miss World's first runner-up title.
While the Czech Republic’s Krystyna Pyszkova clinched the crown, Zaytoun's performance garnered immense praise, overshadowing the disappointment of the Indian contestant, Sini Shetty, who fell short of the top spot.
Fresh from her triumph, Zaytoun shared her invaluable lesson from the pageant: perseverance yields victory, even if not immediately. She emphasized the importance of mental resilience in navigating the rigorous challenges of the competition, underlining her unwavering determination to make her country proud.
Addressing aspiring pageant contestants worldwide, Zaytoun encouraged them to embrace their authenticity and inner strength. She debunked stereotypes surrounding beauty pageants, asserting that they encompass much more than physical appearance, emphasizing the significance of self-confidence and purpose.
Zaytoun's journey serves as an inspiration to young girls and women globally, urging them to embrace every facet of their personalities and confront challenges head-on.
