It was an experience I never wanted to end... Lisburn model Jordan Humphries on her trip of a lifetime to take part in Miss Swimsuit USA
Jordan Humphries (27), a make-up artist, model and blogger from Lisburn, has just returned from Mexico where she took part in Miss Swimsuit USA. Here, she reveals the dedication, excitement and nerves that were part of the build-up to the most incredible
Okay ladies, I need you all lined up in order — NOW! Sashes on, number pins visible, ready to go. Remember your choreography, smile and have fun. It’s show time!”
These are the last words I heard from our pageant producer before taking to the stage of the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico, to compete in Miss Swimsuit USA last Saturday night.
In the backstage corridor I was surrounded by 58 of the most stunning women I have ever seen, who all looked like real-life Photoshop personified. Among them were famous bikini models, Playboy and Maxim cover girls, world title pageant winners and big-time influencers with millions of social media followers, all gleaming with body oil in tiny, matching purple bikinis.
How on earth did I, a wee girl from Lisburn, end up among these goddesses, about to strut across the world stage to be judged in the most minimal of clothing?
Well, it was a hell of a journey, I’ll tell you that.
I stumbled across the Miss Bikini Ireland pageant while scrolling through Instagram last year and discovered that, for the first time, they would be holding a standalone Miss Bikini Northern Ireland contest in 2018.
At the time I had just competed in my first bikini contest (NIFMA) and after reading that the prize for this competition was a trip to Mexico, I decided to send in my picture and an application, then forgot about it and went about my normal life.
In that time, I began dating someone and, as you do in the early stages of a relationship, I gained a bit of weight — nothing too drastic but constant brunch outings, romantic dinners and cocktail drinking cercline tainly made sure that I was no longer in my peak physical condition.
That relationship ended at the beginning of August, which is exactly when an email landed in my inbox notifying me that I had been selected as a finalist in Miss Bikini Northern Ireland.
The competition itself wasn’t to be held until early October but with a promotional photo-shoot for all the competitors just three weeks away, I replied saying that, while I was honoured to have been selected, I would sadly have to de- my place as I wasn’t in good enough shape.
That’s when the then Miss Bikini Ireland, Eileen O’Donnell, stepped in and encouraged me not to worry too much about how I looked for the shoot, to choose swimwear that I felt comfortable in and to then work really hard to look my best for the final.
I had a word with myself and after careful consideration decided I should just go for it. What was the worst that could happen?
Fast forward to October 7 and after two months of rigid dieting, zero alcohol and rigorous training in the gym with my amazing personal trainer, Chris Cummings, I was in the best shape of my life and ready to fight for the title.
It was a long and nerve-racking day at the Cosh Bar and Grill, Londonderry as we had our hair and make-up done, practised our walks and had pre-show interviews with the esteemed panel of judges. In the run-up to the show I had watched every YouTube video going on pageant walks, presentation and interview techniques, and I was waxed within an inch of my life, spray tanned, lean, toned and feeling quietly confident — but my nerves were still absolutely raging in my belly.
After what felt like an eternity, the first and second runners-up were announced and, finally, I was crowned the first ever Miss Bikini Northern Ireland.
I’m not someone who is often lost for words, but I was truly speechless and couldn’t quite take in what had just happened. I was a winner, I was off to Mexico for the world finals... in the words of Sally Field, in her iconic Oscar acceptance speech, all I could think was: “You like me! You really like me!”
The day after my win, 16 emails tumbled in, one after another, from Swimsuit USA organiser Aadel Bensreti. I battened down the hatches, ordered myself a huge coffee (black, no sugar) and ploughed my way through each one, replying with my passport details, body measurements, release forms, social media handles and any other piece of personal information you can imagine.
The emails included our itinerary, rules to abide by and 100 other important things to know that I committed to memory between nervous breakdowns.
The next two weeks went by in a haze as I continued my clean-eating and exercise regime, ordered several dozen bikinis online, frantically hunted for dresses and once again underwent the pageant beautifying process of tanning, nails, hair extensions, waxing, teeth whitening and general freaking out.
Then, the day finally arrived to set sail (or, rather, take flight) to Mexico for Swimsuit USA.
As I sat in Dublin Airport ready to depart for Atlanta, then on to Cancun, I stupidly looked at the Swimsuit USA Instagram page for the millionth time. But this time, as I scrolled through the pictures of all the women
How on earth did I, a wee girl from Lisburn, end up among these goddesses on the stage?