Miss Teen USA competition replaces swimsuit section with 'athletic wear'
- Published
The Miss Teen USA beauty pageant is dropping its swimsuit section after criticism that it was sexist.
The Miss Universe organisation, which runs the teenage version, says it'll be replaced with a sportswear competition.
A statement on its website said that "in a society that increasingly prioritises feminism and equality, watching women parade across a stage in bikinis can feel outdated".
This year's Miss Teen USA competition is being held in Las Vegas on 30 July.
Katherine Haik was the second entrant from Louisiana to win the Miss Teen USA title
This year's 51 contestants, aged between 14 and 19, will be judged on a personal interview and an evening gown category as well as the new "athletic wear" section.
The Miss Universe statement continued: "Miss Teen USA's transition to athletic wear reads as less exploitative and more focused on the importance of physical fitness for its younger participants."
Reigning Miss Teen USA, Katherine Haik, called it "a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers".
She told USA Today, external: "As a member of a softball team and a competitive dance team, I spend a lot of time in athletic wear.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan and Miss Teen USA 2015 Katherine Haik got together at the Miss USA in Las Vegas earlier this month
Katherine, who's from Louisiana, won the title last year aged 15 and was the youngest contestant to ever be crowned Miss Teen USA.
During the competition she recited all 44 US presidents while singing.
The swimsuit category has been criticised in the past for exploiting and sexualising young women and not promoting diverse body types.
"This decision reflects an important cultural shift we're all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same," wrote Miss Universe Organisation president Paula M Shugart to directors of state competitions.
Miss Teen USA host Julianne Hough says swimsuits could also be ditched at other adult beauty pageants, depending on the reaction to changes at Miss Teen USA.
"There's definitely some work I think still to be done, that's where we've been talking with the producers," she said.
"In the next few years we may grow from that, but let's see where this year goes."
Two-time Dancing with the Stars winner Julianne Hough hosts Miss USA and Miss Teen USA with Terrence "J" Jenkins
Miss Universe was owned by billionaire Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump from 2002 until 2015.
He sold it last year to talent management group, WME/IMG.
Miss Teen USA, which began in 1983, is now broadcast live online and is simulcast on Microsoft's Xbox Live service.
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