Does height matter at Miss Universe?

Graye Morkel 14 Jan

Demi-Leigh Tebow (Nel-Peters) crowned Miss Universe on 26 November 2017.

Although Miss Universe has no height requirement, most countries send a representative with a minimum height of 172 cm.

Throughout the pageant's history, Miss Universe winners' height has increased by four inches (10.16 cm).

In 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow was crowned Miss Universe, despite being one of the shortest delegates that year at 170 cm.

Does height matter at Miss Universe? A little bit yes, and a little bit no.

According to Angelopedia, although Miss Universe has no height requirement, most countries send a representative with a minimum height of 172 cm. And when we look at past winners, the pageant tends to favour the taller woman.

UK-based Superdrug Online Doctor tracked the evolution of Miss Universe winner's body types between 1952 to 2015 and the average height of a Miss Universe contestant has increased overall since the pageant's beginning.

Throughout the pageant's history, Miss Universe winners' height has increased by four inches (10.16 cm). But, although still seen as significant criteria, we've definitely seen a few changes in recent years.

In 2017, Demi-Leigh Tebow was crowned Miss Universe, despite being one of the shortest delegates that year at 170 cm. Also standing 170 cm is Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo.

Surprisingly, many Miss Universe 2020 front-runners are shorter than 170cm, including Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil at 165 cm, Miss Universe India 2020 Adline Castelino at 168 cm and Miss USA 2020 Asya Branch who stands 165 cm tall.

The shortest winners in history were Miss Universe 1958, Colombia's Luz Marina Zuluaga, and Miss Universe 1965, Thailand's Apasra Hongsakula, both at 162 cm.

In 2021, Miss Universe South Africa 2020 Natasha Joubert, who stands 170cm tall, will represent the country on the international stage.

https://www.news24.com/channel/the-juice/news/pageant/does-height-matter-at-miss-universe-20210114