It’s been seven years since Sweden last placed in the Miss Universe semis. This year, the country is betting on 21-year-old Ida Ovmar from Luleå.
Know more about her in this exclusive interview.
Tell us something that most people don’t know much about you.
I am very boyish. I love being out in the forest, hunting, fishing and getting dirty.
What is the biggest mistake you made in your life and what did you do to make it right?
My biggest mistake is the time that I have not listened to my inner intuition. The times I have trusted myself and my capability of knowing the answer has never turned out wrong. Trust your instincts.
How would you describe your country to your fellow contestants?
Sweden is a beautiful country with high standards in the Northern Europe with four different seasons! Above the Arctic Circle we have the midnight sun during the summers – the sun never goes down and it never rises for some parts of the winter. A large area of Sweden is uninhabited and the nature is well preserved. We have the greatest law considering the nature ”Allemansrätten” which is every man’s right to access the wilderness.
In Sweden all children between 6-16 is guaranteed free school and the English language is taught since the age of eight. The healthcare in Sweden is tax-funded which gives everyone the same chance to health care services.
Sweden is also known for the magical northern lights that appears in the sky, the music group ABBA, the store IKEA and the famous writer Astrid Lindgren. She wrote the story a about ’Pippi Longstocking’ – the strongest girl in the world, to which my national and evening gown is inspired of.
What is your beauty secret?
Eat clean, be active and sleep well. Doesn’t get much easier!
What is the most difficult thing you did to prepare for the Miss Universe pageant? Why did you do that?
I am very healthy but I just love to watch a movie and eat some chocolates. It is hard to stay away from the cookie jar. Sugar is not healthy, this is also a prefect motivation for me to get rid of that bad habit.
Social media seem to play a major role in pageantry nowadays. Do you think this is advantageous to you? Why or why not?
It is a great way to show who you are, what you are doing and promote what you are representing both private and business wise. Social media also makes it easier to spread awareness of good causes. It is also a perfect chance to connect with the other participants. Already got to know some of the girls. But you become an easy target for people to discuss you, in positive and negative ways. That’s why it is important to know your worth. Social media is for your advantage if used wisely.
Some people think that beauty pageants like Miss Universe are degrading to women. Convince them that they are wrong.
Miss Universe is such an opportunity! We are strong, independent women that have taken the decision to participate by ourselves. It is an opportunity to learn about the world, other cultures and connect with people from all over the world. Miss Universe is a great platform to reach out to others and actually make a change and do something for a good cause. The competition has given me the chance to improve and challenge myself in so many ways. And not to forget, how fun you have during the time with all of the ladies.
Who is your all-time favorite Miss Universe and why?
Pia Wurtzbach. She looks stunning, moves with grace and is a true role model. She competed three times in pageants before winning, she never gave up – and look where she is today! She is using her title in a good, inspiring way and seems like a really kind and smart woman. Looking forward to meet her.
What qualities do you feel you have that would make you a great Miss Universe?
To be a Miss Universe you need to be determined, confident and have a lot of will power. You need think outside the box, have eyes that sees something more than the world shows. Each day embrace your dreams – and believe in yourself so you can go and get them. And I think I am that kind of woman – with big goals but both feet on the ground. Even if it is a tough business it is very important to maintain your personality and kindness. Thanks to my background I know I will remember my roots even when I fly high. I believe I would be a good role model for others. I stand for health, natural beauty inside out and want to inspire and help other to a better life.
Lastly, a message for all your supporters at Missosology.
Thank you so much. I appreciate every single one of you. Love and pineapples: stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet!
Special thanks to Ida and Joakim Granberg of the Miss Universe Sweden organization for the interview. Missosology.Org
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