Dayanara Torres, crowned Miss Universe in 1993, recently reflected on her transformative experience in the pageant. With the upcoming Miss Universe event approaching, she shared insights about her journey and commented on recent controversies involving Miss Mexico.
Life-Changing Experience at Miss Universe 1993
Dayanara Torres described her time at the Miss Universe competition as a pivotal moment in her life. The event, held 32 years ago, opened numerous doors for her professionally. Torres recalled, “In 1993, Miss Universe opened doors I never imagined.” She emphasized the values of strength and ambition she gained from her participation.
Return to the Pageant
This year, Torres will return to the Miss Universe stage as a commentator. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating that the platform profoundly impacted her life. In her role, she aims to celebrate the strength and dreams of women who compete.
Comments on Recent Controversies
During an appearance on Telemundo’s La Mesa Caliente, Torres addressed a recent incident involving Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, and organization leader Nawat Itsaragrisil. She labeled the situation as “very sad” and not representative of the pageant’s core values of respect and empowerment.
Torres noted that this incident was isolated and occurred during an event organized in Thailand. She defended the pageant’s mission, highlighting that it has always promoted equality and respect for women.
Legacy and Impact
Since her 1993 victory, Dayanara Torres has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. At just 18 years old, she became the third Puerto Rican to win Miss Universe, marking a significant achievement for her home island.
Her success in the pageant led to numerous opportunities in acting and modeling. Torres gained fame in the Philippines, participating in various films and winning titles in local shows.
Support from Fellow Contestants
Following the incident with Miss Mexico, Nadia Ferreira, the Miss Universe 2021 first runner-up, came to the defense of the pageant. She emphasized its role as a platform where women have a voice and can express themselves. Ferreira’s comments further highlight the ongoing dedication to the values that the Miss Universe organization stands for.
As the new edition of Miss Universe approaches, Dayanara Torres continues to inspire both past and present contestants with her reflections on the life-changing impact of the competition.
