Sydney woman inspired by competition
‘I wish every young woman could experience this’
LONDON, ENGLAND — Naomi Colford's Miss World experience is one the Sydney native thinks will be impossible to beat.
Although the 19-year-old didn't win the crown or make the top 40 quarter-final, Colford is proud of her accomplishments. Her beauty with purpose campaign, where she visited schools and daycares educating students on the importance of healthy foods, made the top 20 and Colford's jazz solo placed third out of 130 contestants in the talent category. And she is the first Nova Scotian to ever make it to the stage of the longest-running global beauty pageant.
However, talking to Colford the morning after the competition on Saturday as she rushes through airport security in England, it seems her fellow contestants are what truly made the experience unforgettable.
“It was so inspiring to see so many young women who are already doing things to change the world … and the impact they are already making,” said the second-year Cape Breton University nursing student.
“It's inspiring to be around women who are the same age as me, who are already doing stuff that is instigating change, that is helping the world. It's super inspiring … I wish every young woman could experience this.”
Colford took the title of Miss Canada World in July after winning Miss Maritime World in May. Since Nov. 20, Colford's been in London, England, with the other international Miss World contestants participating in different challenges.
During her three and a half weeks working side by side with the contestants, Colford said she developed friendships with everyone, but has especially tight bonds with Nyah Christine Bandelier (the Bahamas), Jaci Patrick (Cayman Islands), Princess Mikhaelia Megonondo (Indonesia) and her roommate Malika Sera (Japan).
“We've all gotten so close over the past few weeks. But we've already made travel plans,” she said.
“I've told them all about the Cape Breton, the Cabot Trail, the gypsum mines — they all want to come. I expect some visitors soon.”
The 2019 Miss World winner was Miss Jamaica Toni-Ann Singh, who came first in the talent portion of the competition, beating out runner-up Ophely Mezino (France) and third-place contestant Suman Ratansingh Rao (India).
After Singh's name was announced, Miss Nigeria Nyekachi Douglas, one of the top five finalists, jumped up and down with excitement, as if her name was called.
Colford said watching the winner be named and crowned was another unforgettable experience.
"She is going to do a great job as Miss World."
Future plans for Colford include returning to her studies at CBU and continuing her beauty with a purpose project.
“There's still a lot for me to do as Miss Canada," she said. "I'm so just so grateful.”