71st Miss Universe takes place today |14 January 2023
Miss Universe Seychelles 2022, Gabriella Gonthier, raring to go
‘The experience is so surreal,’
Miss Universe Seychelles 2022
Hours before she competes alongside 86 women in the 71st Miss Universe competition in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, Miss Universe Seychelles 2022, Gabriella Gonthier, has said she is feeling relaxed.
“I always believe in order to understand the discipline the crown entails we have got to enjoy the journey and because of that I have radiated a lot of happiness, positivity and calmness as the path I've reached already makes me a winner. I feel transformed and ultimately a better person,” said Ms Gonthier.
The 24-year-old who left Seychelles on December 17 for the Miss Universe pageant on January 14 (today), has been following a series of training including catwalk, pageantry questions, wardrobes and etiquette.
She has already gone through the process of personal statements, in depth interviews and various categories including evening gown and swimwear.
In her Instagram post, following her eight-minute interview, Ms Gonthier stated that it was the fastest eight minutes of her life, but also the best.
“I was raw, vulnerable and open hence why I'm so proud of myself,” she said.
Ms Gonthier is not new to beauty pageants having been crowned Miss Regatta in 2018, winning the prize for Best Creative Costume in Miss Seychelles 2020 and winning the Miss University Africa Tourism 2021 title at the Miss University Africa Pageant in 2021. She was appointed as Miss Universe Seychelles 2022 on June 9.
She holds a degree in business administration and international business, and works as a monitoring and evaluation officer.
The football enthusiast advocates for suicide prevention through her ‘Semicolon project’, after losing her best friend through suicide seven years ago, and her godfather as well.
She has described her participation at the 71st Miss Universe as surreal.
“The experience is so surreal; I take it day by day as it consumes a lot of energy but, it is a great experience when you embrace everything as a learning experience. I always take the day as a new chance to create impact or just learn from others,” said Ms Gonthier.
Seychelles is taking part in Miss Universe after a 27-year break. Seychelles’ first and last candidate was Maria Payet in 1994.
“In my case 27 years later it's amazing that I could be the 2nd delegate to build and leave an impact to other upcoming and aspiring Miss Universe Seychelles candidates.
The anticipated international pageant will be hosted at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The winner will be crowned by former Miss Universe, Indian national, Harnaaz Sandhu.
Miss Universe Seychelles 2022 thanks all sponsors who have contributed toward making her dream come true, namely Nevin Kailash Rupear from Miss Universe Mauritius for the collaboration and support; the President of the Republic, Wavel Ramkalawan; Marie France MacGregor (Maz Million); Delplace Restaurant; Michel Denousse; Maria Payet; Christopher Lespoir; Telly’s Modelling Agency; ISPC.
The accompanying photographs show Ms Gonthier and some of her fellow contestants ahead of the pageant.
Patsy Canaya
