THE Czech Republic’s Krystyna Pyszkova has been crowned as the 71st Miss World in ceremonies held in Mumbai, India last March 9, topping the field of 112 participating delegates from as many countries worldwide even as the Philippine delegate Gwendolyne Fourniol was eliminated right away, failing to enter the first cut of top 40.
Pyszkova was crowned by her predecessor Karolina Bielawska from Poland while Lebanon’s Yasmina Zaytoun was named second. Rounding up the top 4 were Botswana’s Lesego Chombo and Trinidad and Tobago’s Ache Abrahams.
Miss World Philippines Gwen Fourniol figured prominently in the preliminary challenges: top 25 in the head-to-head challenge, top 32 in the sports challenge, top 20 in the top model challenge and top 23 in talent, although she did not top any of the challenges in order to be fast-tracked into the top 40.
Fourniol, a 23-year-old Filipino-French beauty whose mom is originally from Himamaylan and Victorias in Negros Occidental, received an outpouring of support and thank you messages from pageant fans worldwide after failing to enter the first cut.
For her part, Fourniol, who’s prepared long and hard for almost two years since she was crowned as Miss World Philippines, wrote lengthily on her social media accounts: “As I write this, I am dumbfounded by the love and support being sent to me across my social media. I can’t help but be emotional. My eyes are swelling with tears trying to hold it all in so the world can see a brave woman who gave her all.
“But 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.
“I am admittedly still in a state of confusion. And I keep asking myself what went wrong, what I did differently or what was missed because I tried to cover all possible angles. But the overthinking brought me at a standstill and 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.
“My journey was not an easy one and the thought of disappointing people who believed and continues to believe in me really breaks my heart. Most of all, 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.
“But these same people: YOU, ERDA, My team, My family, are the same people giving me hope, touching me with a glimmer of light, and providing me a reason to stand up and continue advocating for causes close to my heart.
Now, I am seeing the bigger picture and I am filled with grattitude.
“I am thankful to the Miss World Organization for the wonderful experience. I have met 112 gorgeous women with impactful voices and social causes that will make a difference in the world. And this brings me so much joy.
“I have come to realize that there are things within my control that I gave my best on. And there 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.
“This is your Miss World Philippines, Gwendolyne Fourniol! Mahal na mahal ko po kayong lahat! At maraming salamat po sa suportang ibinigay ninyo.”
The 71st Miss World Pageant, held at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, India, was co-presented by our very own Miss World 2013 Megan Young, the 7th time she performed the task since 2014.
