“Like any human being, I think it is normal to admit that it is okay to be vulnerable, it is okay to be hurt, it is okay to be in shock and question myself and my capabilities,” she said on Wednesday, March 13, alongside photos of her from coronation night. 

Fourniol, who was crowned Miss World Philippines in June 2022, represented the country in the 71st Miss World competition held in Mumbai, India on Saturday, March 9. She made an early exit after not securing a spot in the competition’s top 40. 

Looking back on the pageant’s results, Fourniol admitted that she’s “still in a state of confusion.” 

“I keep asking myself what went wrong, what I did differently or what was missed because I tried to cover all possible angles,” she said. 

The French-Filipina beauty queen added that while her pageant journey hasn’t been easy, it was the thought of disappointing those who believe and support her that “breaks [her] heart.” 

“The thought of disheartening the people who I am fighting for, the children of ERDA, the mother volunteers who tirelessly devote their time to the cause, really crushes my soul,” she said. ERDA stands for Educational Research and Development Assistance Foundation, a charity organization that she advocates for.

But Fourniol shared that it’s also the same people — her supporters, ERDA, her team, and her family — who continue to give her hope and a reason to push through with her advocacies. 

She also opened up that “overthinking” about the results and her performance has brought her to a “standstill.” “I now rest in the thought that this is something I can learn from. I also have faith that a divine being is guiding me to a bigger yet an unknown path for now,” she said. 

With this, Fourniol shared that she has realized that “there are things within [her] control that [she] gave [her] best on.” 

“And there are things not within my control that I lifted up to destiny and to God. I shall soldier on…because I know I will be stronger, better, and wiser,” she concluded her post.

Fellow Filipino beauty queens such as Emmanuelle Vera, Nikki de Moura, Jenny Ramp, MJ Lastimosa, and Angelia Ong showed their support for Fourniol in the comments section. 

Krystyna Pyszková of Czech Republic was named 71st Miss World. Meanwhile, Megan Young remains to be the only Filipina beauty queen to win the Miss World crown. – Rappler.com

Young hosted the finals night in Mumbai, India on Saturday, March 9. During the competition’s question-and-answer portion, the Filipina beauty queen fixed a tendril of Chombo’s hair before the latter went on with her pitch. 

This particular incident earned the ire of African pageant fans, who deemed Young’s action as cruel, disrespectful, and culturally insensitive. Some even left comments on Young’s Instagram posts, saying that her action has “jeopardized” Chombo’s performance in the competition, with some even accusing the title holder of engaging in “witchcraft.” 

While some of Young’s fans came to her defense, emphasizing that she had meant well, some netizens also took the chance to explain the cultural significance behind an African woman’s hair. 

Addressing the incident, Young posted a statement on her Facebook account on Monday, March 11, sharing that she “wanted to offer a helping hand” but “failed to oversee the bigger picture.” She added that since the incident occurred, she had been “made aware that culturally, this is unacceptable.”

Young added that she sought Chombo after the incident and has since spoken and apologized privately.  

She continued that it was not her intention to “invade personal space or make anyone feel uncomfortable.” She also extended her apologies to anyone who witnessed the incident and felt any “discomfort and confusion” by her actions. 

“I deeply regret my actions and will strive to be more mindful and respectful in the future,” she added. 

Chombo, meanwhile, also took to social media to ask her supporters to be “kinder” to Young and the winner, Krystyna Pyszková of Czech Republic. “I appreciate that you are all looking out for me, but it really doesn’t make me good when you bring other people down in my name or for my sake,” she said. 

Chombo finished as part of the Top 4 along with delegates from Lebanon and Trinidad and Tobago. 

Meanwhile, Philippine bet Gwendolyne Fourniol failed to enter the pageant’s Top 40. Young remains to be the only Filipina beauty queen to win the Miss World crown. – Rappler.com

Pyszková will represent the London-based pageant in various events aligned with the pageant’s mission. She will also have the chance to fly around the world as part of her duties.

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Here’s what you need to know about the reigning queen:

2nd Czech winner

Pyszková is the Czech Republic’s second Miss World, after Taťána Kuchařová who won the title in 2006.

The new Miss World titleholder is also the third winner of a “Big 4” pageant crown for the Czech Republic. In 2012, the European country bagged the Miss Earth crown courtesy of Tereza Fajksová.

Standout in the prelims

In the 71st edition’s preliminary competitions, Pyszková was already one of the standout candidates. She was named Miss Europe during the Top 4 selection, along with Yasmin Azaytoun of Lebanon (Miss Asia and Oceania), Aché Abrahams of Trinidad and Tobago (Miss America), and Lesego Chombo of Botswana (Miss Africa).

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Loves horses

She also bagged the Best Fashion Designer Award-Europe plum with her eye-catching, fire engine red tulle gown paired with an intricately embroidered horse-riding jacket.

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According to Sam Dolce, the dress’ designer, “Krystyna is a passionate horsewoman and a lover of riding, horse racing, and all activities related to horses.”

Interestingly, the fabric for the jacket was repurposed from “an antique blanket used as a cover when moving pampered stallions to protect them from bad weather.”

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Check out her amazing riding skills in this video:

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Beauty and brains

Prior to her foray into pageantry, Pyszková studied law at Charles University in Prague, which is the oldest and largest university of the Czech Republic. She then studied management at MCI Management Center Innsbruck, which is a private business school in Austria.

Musical talent

Pyszková is also a skilled musician, having studied in an arts school when she was younger. She plays the transverse flute and the violin, and even showcased her artistry during Miss World’s Talent Day.

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Passion for education

It comes as no surprise that the well-schooled Pyszková has made education her advocacy. She had set up a school in Tanzania – a fact she highlighted for the pageant’s Beauty with a Purpose component – and also opened a foundation in the Czech Republic that offers education to a wide range of locals, from children, to people with mental disabilities, to the elderly.

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“Fighting illiteracy has proven to improve life expectancy and other basic human needs,” she said of her work in Africa. “It promotes stability in the region and enhances the quality of life overall, hence breaking out of a poverty cycle that’s been plaguing the continent for centuries now.”

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She made it to the Beauty with a Purpose segment’s roster of finalists. – Rappler.com

She replaced outgoing titleholder Karolina Bielawska of Poland. Pyszková is Czech Republic’s second Miss World, after Taťána Kuchařová earlier won the title in 2006.

The new Miss World titleholder is also the third winner of a “Big 4” pageant crown for the Czech Republic. In 2012, the European country bagged the Miss Earth crown courtesy of Tereza Fajksová.

Miss World is part of the elite “Big 4” pageants in the world, along with Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Earth.

Usually held annually, Miss World uses the tagline “beauty with a purpose,” as it also focuses in charity work and helping communities. For winning the prestigious title, Pyszková will represent the London-based pageant in various events aligned with the pageant’s mission. She will also have the chance to fly around the world as part of her duties.

Pyszková’s court includes:

• 1st runner-up: Yasmina Zaytoun of Lebanon (Continental winner for Asia and Oceania)
• Top 4: Lesego Chombo of Botswana (Continental winner for Africa) and Aché Abrahams of Trinidad and Tobago (Continental winner for America)

In the last years, Miss World had delays in staging its pageant. After the 2019 pageant was held in the United Kingdom, it took three years before the pageant was held again in 2022, due to COVID-19 restrictions. The 71st edition was supposed to be held in December 2023 but was later moved to March this year.

Meanwhile, Philippines’ Gwendolyne Fourniol ended her 71st Miss World journey early after failing to enter the pageant’s first cut or top 40. With this, Miss World 2013 Megan Young remains to be the only Miss World titleholder from the Philippines. After Young, Catriona Gray was the closest to winning the “blue crown” for the Philippines courtesy of her Miss World top 5 finish in 2016.

Gray continued her pageant journey and ended up winning the Miss Universe 2018 crown. – Rappler.com

French-Filipina Fourniol represented the pageant-crazy Philippines at the 71st edition of the Miss World pageant. Miss World is one of the “Big 4” pageants in the world, along with Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Earth.

The pageant night was held at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, March 9, with Megan Young – Miss World 2013 and the Philippines’ only Miss World titleholder – as one of the presenters. Before Fourniol, Tracy Maureen Perez finished in the top 13 in 2022, while Michelle Dee finished in the top 10 in 2019.

Fourniol was crowned Miss World Philippines and Perez’s successor in June 2022. She clinched the local crown after her second try in the pageant. The French-Filipina stunner first joined in 2021, where she placed in the top 15.

Must Read

IN PHOTOS: PH’s Gwendolyne Fourniol’s performance in 71st Miss World so far

During the pageant’s duration, Fourniol consistently placed in fast-track events. These mini-competitions were essential in the overall pageant because the winners in these challenges secured spots in the pageant’s quarterfinals or top 40. The Philippine bet placed in the following fast-track events:

• Top 20, top model competition
• Top 23, talent competition
• Top 25, head to head challenge (public speaking)
• Top 32, sports challenge

However, having a placement in these fast tracks does not guarantee a spot in the first cut because the contestants are judged based on their overall performances in all aspects of the competition.

The Philippines is considered a powerhouse in the world of pageantry for having won a number of crowns in major international pageants. It’s the only Asian country to win all the Big 4 pageants in the world.

Although the Philippines bagged 15 crowns in these pageants, only one of these titles was Miss World. The Philippines has yet to secure another Miss World crown after Megan Young won in 2013.

Despite this, the Philippines has been consistent in placing in Miss World and even produced runners-up like Evangeline Pascual in 1973 (1st runner-up), Ruffa Gutierrez in 1993 (2nd runner-up), and Gwendolyn Ruais in 2011 (1st runner-up). – Rappler.com

Initially, Gwendolyne was supposed to compete in the pageant’s 71st edition in December 2023 when it was still scheduled at the India International Centre in Delhi, India. However, the Miss World organization announced that the finals will be moved at a later date. The pageant is now set to be held on March 9, 2024 in Mumbai, India. 

Prior to flying to India, the beauty queen has been sharing snippets of her pageant journey. In her official headshot photo for the competition, Gwendolyne looked regal in a blue tube bejeweled dress.

“Being in Miss World is a passion turned reality,” she said in her introduction video, where she also expounded on her advocacy for education. 

“Join me in my journey and let’s all ignite that passion for education, to help empower generations,” she captioned the post. 

Since the beauty queen from Negros Occidental was crowned in June 2022, she had been focused on working with the Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, a charity organization that sends underprivileged children to school. It is also the same foundation that helped Gwendolyne’s mother to go to school. 

In a January 2023 post, the Philippine delegate shared that she’s spearheading the “Bridge the Gap, Build the Future” project with ERDA Foundation. 

“By building the Learning Hub, and providing opportunities for growth to the community around it, I hope to do my humble part in bridging the gap in education in my own country so that I may be able to help less privileged children build their own bigger and brighter futures,” she wrote. 

Even her entry for the pageant’s Head-to-Head challenge focused on Sustainable Development Goal number 4 or Quality Education. 

“Together, we can build a world where education is a fundamental and universal right, fostering progress for generations to come,” she said. 

During her first days in India, Gwendolyne has been updating fans with the pre-pageant activities she’s taking part in, as well as bonding with her fellow Miss World candidates. 

“Can’t wait to make unforgettable memories and represent the Philippines with pride,” she wrote in one of her posts. 

During the pageant’s opening ceremony on February 20, Gwendolyne was a stunner in her costume that represents the “Filipina’s craft spirit of dignity, growth, and joy.” 

The beauty queen noted that the hand-embroidered ensemble was inspired from Hiligaynon’s authentic Ilonggo textiles. The piece was adorned with colorful embellishments while the whole look was completed with a crowned headpiece and golden palaspas. 

Moreover, the ensemble also paid homage to the competition’s host country, India, as it incorporated a traditional print called ikat.

Gwendolyne is competing in the hopes of winning the Philippines’ second Miss World crown, following Megan Young’s win in 2013. – Rappler.com

According to the pageant’s Philippine franchise, the Miss World 2023 competition is set to take place at the ICC Delhi, India on December 16. 

The 71st edition of the pageant will also feature around 130 delegates from all over the world. Poland’s Karolina Bielawska will be crowning her successor. 

“It’s going to be a festival of glamor, fashion, talent, sport, and beauty with a purpose,” the organization said. 

Additional details about its pre-pageant activities have yet to be announced. 

Negros Occidental’s Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned in June 2022, will be representing the Philippines in the competition. 

On social media, Fourniol has been raising funds for a learning hub for the ERDA Foundation to address the lack of fair access to equal education in the Philippines. 

“To educate is to empower – and through your generous donations, we can equip them with the valuable gift of learning and help them create a brighter future,” she wrote. 

Fourniol will be competing in the hopes of winning the Philippines’ second Miss World crown, following Megan Young’s win in 2013. – Rappler.com

“The decision to award India with this prestigious honor recognizes the nation’s rich cultural heritage, its commitment to promoting diversity, and its passion for empowering women,” they said in a press release on Thursday, June 8. 

The organizers added that the competition in India will “promote charitable causes through philanthropic activities, inspiring contestants to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to society.” 

MWO added that candidates from over 130 countries are expected to gather in India to participate in a series of activities for the pageant – including “talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives, all aimed at highlighting the qualities that make them exceptional ambassadors of change.” 

A final date for the competition has yet to be announced, but the grand finale is expected for November or December 2023. Organizers shared that the pageant will also have several rounds to shortlist participants a month before the finals night. 

In February, MWO announced that the 2023 edition of the pageant was supposed to take place in the United Arab Emirates in May. 

The organization, however, did not disclose the reason for the changes in the competition’s host.  

Karolina Beilawska of Poland will be crowning her successor. 

Negros Occidental’s Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned in June 2022, will be representing the Philippines in the international pageant, in hopes of clinching the country’s second Miss World title. – Rappler.com

The Miss World organization announced on Monday, February 13, that the 71st edition of the pageant will take place in the United Arab Emirates in May.

The announcement was shared on the pageant’s social media pages, with confirmation from the organization’s president Julia Morley. 

Other details, such as final dates for pre-pageant activities and the coronation night, have yet to be announced. 

The previous edition of Miss World was held in March 2022, which was technically the 2021 outing. 

It was initially set for December 2021 but was postponed due to health and safety reasons. From the initial 97 candidates, only the Top 40 returned to Puerto Rico in March 2022 for the coronation night. Karolina Beilawska of Poland won the crown. 

Negros Occidental’s Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned in June 2022, will be representing the Philippines in the international pageant, in hopes of clinching the country’s second Miss World title. – Rappler.com

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, March 23, the Cebuana beauty queen shared backstage and never-before-seen photos from the pageant, saying that she has spent it with “the best people and the best experiences.” “I can’t wait to be back [in Puerto Rico] and once again explore the wonders of the island of enchantment.” 

Tracy ended her Miss World stint as part of the Top 13, with Poland’s Karolina Bielawska taking home the crown. 

“Oh and what a ride it has been,” Tracy continued. “My heart swells with so much pride, love, and honor that a simple person like me was able to walk the stage of the world and leave a mark that will forever remain.” 

She also teased that the Miss World stage isn’t the end for her. “This is just the beginning of an exciting and meaningful journey ahead. We are now seen, we are now heard, and we are never forgotten. Now I know in my heart that this is truly where I belong,” she said. 

Fellow beauty queens and pageant fans were quick to commend Tracy for her stellar performance as the country’s representative in the pageant. 

Megan Young remains to be the only Filipina to win the Miss World title. She was crowned in 2013.– Rappler.com