Murcian athlete crowned Miss Universe Spain

Just two days ago, Athenea Pérez, a gymnast from Murcia, was crowned Miss Universe Spain. The 24-year-old, who is passionate about her region, holds a degree in Marketing and Advertising. She will now represent Spain in the upcoming Miss Universe competition in December, taking place in El Salvador.

When asked about her win, Athenea expressed her disbelief and excitement. She mentioned that while people now recognize her as Miss Spain and Miss Universe Spain, all she wants is to go back to Murcia and spend time with her friends.

Reflecting on her journey, Athenea shared that in 2019, she was the first runner-up, making her unsure of her chances of winning this year. However, she realized her potential and competitiveness, which contributed to her victory. She emphasized that besides physical appearance, the judges also consider aspects such as education, eloquence, and leadership abilities.

Athenea credited her success to her perseverance and self-sufficiency. She revealed that despite being part of a group of 17 girls, she always tried to help everyone and show her resourcefulness. In terms of preparation, Athenea had to learn to present herself well and improve her public speaking skills.

Addressing the criticism surrounding beauty pageants and the objectification of women, Athenea acknowledged that opinions have evolved, and pageants now focus on empowering and recognizing women as leaders. She cited the current Miss Universe, who is an entrepreneur and has a clothing brand that uses recycled materials. Athenea urged skeptics to give beauty pageants a chance, as they can bring surprises and showcase various qualities.

Athenea revealed that she faced racist comments on social media after being selected as the representative for the region of Murcia. However, she used these comments as motivation to prove that physical appearance does not define a person’s worth. She expressed gratitude for the support she received, especially from people in Murcia and across Spain.

Looking ahead, Athenea’s immediate focus is preparing for the international competition and representing Spain. She hopes to make her country proud and act as a role model for the Afro-descendant population, advocating for their rights and normalization. Athenea expressed her willingness to get involved in associations and continue inspiring others.

For young Murcian girls aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Athenea’s advice is to never give up on their dreams, even if they may seem impossible. She encourages them to pursue their passions and be confident in themselves.