Megan Young defends Miss World at Oxford University

Photo from Facebook page of Megan Young.

MANILA – Miss World 2013, Megan Young spoke before a crowd of students at the Oxford University in London defending the competition from those saying that the pageant demeans women.

Young got emotional when asked about the most challenging part in her reign as the Miss World 2013.

“And what… it hurts really, it really does hurt and sometimes you just can’t help but cry. I’m sorry I’m getting really emotional because you know I’ve been through so many countries and it’s just so difficult seeing them in this position and you know people are saying you’re Miss World you should save the world, and to be honest, we can’t really save the world as a whole, we’re doing it part by part. We’re not Superman. We’re human too,” said Young.

Young and the contestants for this year’s Miss World pageant visited the centuries-old buildings in the university where most of the well-known scientists, and writers have studied.

Young said admitted that she was nervous at the thought of being in a debate in front of Oxford University students.

“I’m a bit nervous, of course we’re in the Oxford University and we’ll be with the Oxford Union, so for me to just step into this campus and be in this area where very famous have been, it’s an honour and I’m just very excited and nervous at the same time.”

Meanwhile, Miss England Carina Tyrrell, who is student of Cambridge University, an academic rival of Oxford, defended the pageant from those saying that the competition is based on beauty rather than brains.

“You are surrounded by women who represent their countries. These are role models, they are role models to young women and role models to society,” she said.

“Miss World allows women the chance to represent their countries. It allows us the chance to lead. Miss World is not a celebrity, she is an ambassador. She tells women all around the world again that it’s okay to have an opinion. She makes changes happen. She identifies problems and she finds solutions. She changes the world,” said Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit also added.

The Miss World 2014 pagaent will be held at the ExCeL Arena in London on December 14.