Baby Boomer beats Millennials to become 2018 Ms. World winner

When people think of beauty pageants around the world, chances are images of blonde twentysomethings in bikinis come to mind. That’s not the case for this year’s winner of the Ms. World competition, who happens to be a fabulous Baby Boomer.

At the age of 63, Ms. Australia Robyn Canner beat an array of young hopefuls to take the crown and become this year’s Ms. World winner in Seattle. Along with her younger competitors, Robyn had to impress a panel of judges during an array of gruelling challenges. These included an interview, as well as an evening gown competition, fitness wear competition and an on-stage question.

Women from all around the world from different backgrounds and with different jobs including doctors, storm scientists, children’s rights activists and even newscasters took part in the competition. Despite some being as young as 26, none were good enough to beating Robyn. 

Originally from Sydney, the 63-year-old runs her own physical therapy practice. She even worked with the Australian Swim Team and Ian Thorpe at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and has worked with the Australian National Rugby League and international Ironmen.

Away from work, Robyn herself is an athlete and enjoys water skiing, and has also appeared in films and television. Sadly, Robyn lost her son to cancer and wants to use her new Ms. World title to influence cancer research.

60-year-old Sydneysider Robyn Canner has taken out the title of Ms World 2018! 💐 #sun7 pic.twitter.com/tVB27wRWZf

— I'm All News (@ImAllNews) July 15, 2018

“I have become a part of an elite and wonderful group of sensational people whom I now call my friends,” Robyn said in a statement of her involvement the pageant. “This pageant nurtures, guides and helps to create successful women, allowing them to gain confidence within the pageant world and within themselves.

“I am so happy and grateful that I won this wonderful title within the Ms. World family. I look forward to working with the organisation and making appearances proudly wearing the Ms. World banner.”

In addition to her custom crowd and banner and title of Ms. World, Robyn also walked away with a US$5,000 (AU$6,724) cash prize, holidays, photoshoots and luggage. What makes this pageant different from others is it draws attention to the effects of ageism and sexism on women all around the world.

“We argue that the value of a woman is not diminished by age nor is it diminished by not having a man in their lives or by whether or not they have children,” Ms. World organisers said in a statement. “We feel that, although they may not look the same, a beautiful 25-year-old is equally beautiful to a beautiful 60-year-old. The Ms. World Pageant aims to not only challenge the antiquated ideals of beauty and pageantry but to change them altogether.”

What do you think? Are you glad to see an over-60 winning competitions like this?