South African beauty queen Mia Le Roux has withdrawn from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns, leaving the country without a representative at the 73rd edition of the pageant.
Le Roux, who had traveled to Mexico City and participated in various events and rehearsals, was among 120 contestants vying for the crown. She made the decision to step back just days before the pageant finale on Saturday.
In a statement, Le Roux expressed her gratitude for the support she received from South Africans during her time at Miss Universe. She did not elaborate on the specifics of her health issue.
“The decision to withdraw has been incredibly difficult, but I am deeply thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa throughout this journey,” Le Roux said.
The 28-year-old made history in August as the first hearing-impaired woman to win the Miss South Africa title in the pageant’s 66-year history. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one, Le Roux uses a hearing implant to assist with sound perception.
South Africa has an impressive record at Miss Universe, having won the crown three times — in 1978, 2017, and 2019.
