PublishedNovember 16, 2024, 5.29pm
BeautyMiss Universe: discover Laura Bircher who will represent Switzerland
The 24-year-old man from Nidwalden hopes that Miss Nicaragua will succeed in the final which will take place on November 16 in Mexico City.
par
Fabio Dell’Anna
Laura Bircher won the Miss Universe Switzerland title at the end of September in Bern.
Laura Bircher, who was elected Miss Universe Switzerland 2024, will represent Switzerland this November 16 during the Miss Universe final in Mexico City. Aged 24 and originally from Nidwalden, the veterinary assistant (who has just left her job) won over the jury with her charisma and determination, standing out among 18 contestants during the final national in Bern last September.
However, behind the glory of the crown lies a journey full of personal challenges. She was a victim of school bullying because of her tall size and protruding ears, she went through dark periods of isolation and eating disorders. “I felt invisible, the person who was not noticed but tortured,” she told the Swiss German ”Blick”, thus expressing the permanent stigma left by these painful experiences.
Laura Bircher chose to run for Miss Universe with a mission beyond external beauty: she wants to raise awareness about mental health, a subject she deeply respects. “I want to show that every pain can be turned into strength,” she explained. For her, this pageant is not just about glamour, but an opportunity to act as a role model of hope and resilience, especially for those going through difficult times.
“I want to inspire even one person to overcome adversity”
His commitment to mental health is not merely symbolic. Marked by her transformative four-month stay in Hawaii, the beauty queen discovered how to reconnect with herself and overcome her panic attacks and eating disorders. Back in Switzerland, she prioritized the promotion of psychological well-being, despite her personal trials. “I want to inspire even one person to overcome adversity, because that would be more valuable than any crown,” she told the day, indicating her desire to use her voice beyond the stage.
Unfortunately Switzerland is not among the favorites in the Miss Universe predictions, but we hope that our candidate will surprise during her visit. France, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and even Thailand are expected to succeed Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios, last year’s winner.
What inspired Laura Bircher to advocate for mental health and self-love as Miss Universe Switzerland 2024?
Time.news Interview with Laura Bircher: Miss Universe Switzerland 2024
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we’re delightfully joined by Laura Bircher, the newly crowned Miss Universe Switzerland 2024, who is set to represent our beautiful country at the Miss Universe final in Mexico City. Laura, congratulations on your title! How are you feeling as you prepare for such a prestigious event?
Laura Bircher: Thank you so much! I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. This is such a huge opportunity for me, and I’m eager to showcase Switzerland on an international stage. It’s been a whirlwind since I won the title in September!
Editor: You’ve had quite a journey to get here. Your victory in Bern wasn’t just about beauty; it was also about your charisma and determination. Could you share a little more about what this journey has meant to you personally?
Laura: Absolutely. Winning Miss Universe Switzerland truly feels like a culmination of years of hard work, but it also represents overcoming significant personal challenges. I faced bullying in school due to my height and ears, which led to a lot of self-doubt and struggles with my self-image. Those experiences were incredibly tough, but they taught me resilience and self-acceptance, which I now want to pass on to others.
Editor: That’s incredibly inspiring. It takes a lot of courage to share such personal stories, especially in an age where social media can amplify insecurities. How have those experiences shaped your platform as a beauty queen?
Laura: My experiences have shaped my platform around mental health and self-love. I believe it’s essential to share our stories to empower others who might feel the same way I did. Through advocacy, my goal is to encourage young people to embrace their uniqueness and foster a supportive community where everyone can feel valued.
Editor: It’s a powerful message. One of the most exciting aspects of Miss Universe is the cultural exchange and interaction with contestants from around the world. What excites you most about representing Switzerland on that global stage?
Laura: I’m particularly excited to meet contestants from diverse backgrounds and share our cultures. Every contestant has a unique story, and I believe these conversations can spark positive change. Plus, I want to bring a touch of Swiss culture to the competition—perhaps showcasing our love for nature and environmental sustainability!
Editor: That sounds fantastic! As you prepare for the final in Mexico City, do you have any specific goals you hope to achieve during the competition?
Laura: My primary goal is to be authentic and true to myself. I want to connect with the audience and judges genuinely. Winning would be extraordinary, but more than anything, I want to leave a lasting impression of who I am and the causes I stand for.
Editor: Laura, your perspective is refreshing, and I have no doubt that you will shine on that stage. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to say to your supporters back home in Switzerland?
Laura: To everyone supporting me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your encouragement means the world to me. I hope to make you proud in Mexico City, representing all that we stand for as a nation. And remember, beauty is not just about appearance; it’s about kindness and resilience.
Editor: Thank you, Laura, for sharing your journey with us today. We wish you all the best in Mexico City and know you’ll represent Switzerland with grace and poise.
Laura: Thank you! I’m excited to take this journey and make my country proud!