In a notable shift, the Miss Teen USA pageant has decided to eliminate the traditional swimsuit competition, opting instead for an athletic wear segment, which they refer to as “athleisure.” This announcement, made by the leadership of the Miss Universe Organization, reflects a desire to celebrate the strength, confidence, and beauty of young women in a more constructive manner.
Paula Green, the president of the organization, stated in a communication to media outlets that the move is intended to empower young women who lead active lives and inspire others in their communities. “Our hope is that this decision will help all fans of Miss Teen USA recognize these young women for the strong, inspiring individuals they are,” Green wrote. However, one can’t help but wonder if swapping bikinis for yoga pants truly represents a significant advancement.
The term “athleisure” might sound appealing, but the reality often involves form-fitting leggings and sports bras, which some might argue are not substantially different from swimwear. While the pageant has branded itself as a platform for young women aged 14-19 to earn scholarship opportunities, it’s hard to overlook the past 33 years where contestants were evaluated in bikinis. This shift might feel like a minimal adjustment considering the history.
Katherine Lane, the reigning Miss Teen USA, conveyed optimism about this new direction, saying, “As a lifelong athlete and member of a competitive dance team, I find this change a great way to celebrate the active lives that many young women lead.” While athletic wear may not completely diverge from swimsuits, it does seem to provide contestants with a chance to be acknowledged for their capabilities and interests rather than purely their physical appearance.
Although beauty pageants are unlikely to completely abandon their focus on appearance, shifting the attire to athletic wear may prompt viewers to think beyond superficial judgments. It’s a small but noteworthy change in the ongoing conversation about how we perceive young women in the public eye.
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In summary, Miss Teen USA’s decision to replace the swimsuit competition with athletic wear is a step towards recognizing the multifaceted nature of young women, yet it remains to be seen if it will lead to deeper changes in how beauty is defined.