The Miss Teen USA pageant administration just announced that it would
be retiring the swimsuit competition for its participants aged 15-19. USA Today
reports the swimsuit competition will be replaced by an athletic wear
competition to focus on the importance of physical fitness in young
women.
Miss Teen USA is part of the the Miss Universe Organization, formerly
owned by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Since Trump
sold the Organization to talent agency WME-IMG in September 2015, the
pageant has been undergoing a rebranding initiative to “celebrate
women’s strength, confidence and beauty,” according to Miss Universe
president Paula Shugart.
"This decision reflects an important cultural shift we’re all
celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and
encourage those in their communities to do the same. Our hope is that
this decision will help all of Miss Teen USA's fans recognize these
young women for the strong, inspiring individuals they are,” Shugart
wrote.
The change has been praised by competitors, parents, and pageant sponsors.
Former Miss Virginia Nancy Redd said, “This is a great step in the
right direction of women embracing their physical strength, as opposed
to their appearance. This is focusing on what bodies can do, not just
what they look like.”
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