Chidimma Adetshina: A Historic Runner-Up in Miss Universe

Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Nigeria, achieved second place in the Miss Universe competition, overcoming challenges linked to her identity and nationality. Despite facing trolling due to her Nigerian heritage, she expressed pride in her landmark achievement. Adetshina emerged as the highest-placed black African woman in the pageant since 2019 and indicated intentions to seek therapy for the trauma endured during her journey.

Chidimma Adetshina, representing Nigeria, has expressed immense pride in her achievement of securing second place in the Miss Universe competition, where she was also honored as Miss Africa and Oceania. Following her participation, she stated, “I’m so proud of myself and I just made history,” indicating her joy despite finishing behind Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Adetshina faced significant adversity while competing, having initially entered the Miss South Africa competition due to her upbringing in the country. Nevertheless, she encountered xenophobic attacks and social media trolling linked to her Nigerian heritage. Amid allegations of identity fraud against her mother, the South African authorities threatened to revoke her citizenship. Nonetheless, they clarified that Adetshina could not be implicated since she was an infant at the time of the alleged misconduct. After these challenges, she successfully claimed the Miss Nigeria title, earning her the opportunity to participate in Miss Universe held in Mexico City. Mia le Roux, the original winner of Miss South Africa, withdrew from the competition due to health issues, while Adetshina emerged as the highest-placed black African woman in Miss Universe since Zozibini Tunzi’s victory in 2019. In an interview, Adetshina reaffirmed her national identity, stating she considers herself “proudly South African” and “proudly Nigerian.” Yet, some South African responses to her accolades have questioned her representation of the nation. Following the extensive trolling she experienced, Adetshina indicated she would pursue therapy to address her trauma.

Chidimma Adetshina’s journey in the pageant scene reflects not only her individual achievements but also the complex intersection of identity, nationality, and societal perceptions, particularly concerning representation in beauty contests. Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina’s narrative has been compounded by the legal and social challenges she faced, including xenophobic discrimination and public scrutiny surrounding her citizenship status. These contextual elements shape her experience and accomplishments in the Miss Universe competition, while her success serves as a significant milestone for representation of black African women in global pageantry.

Chidimma Adetshina’s remarkable performance in the Miss Universe competition, despite facing severe trolling and nationality challenges, highlights her resilience and the profound complexities of identity in today’s society. Her achievement of second place and recognition as Miss Africa and Oceania underscores her historic impact on the representation of black Africans in international beauty pageants, paving the way for future contestants. Adetshina’s journey promotes awareness of the challenges faced by individuals in similar circumstances and serves as an inspiration for overcoming adversity.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk