First Miss World Contestant to Compete in a Wheelchair: "It Does Not Define Me"

According to The Advertiser, Justine Clark, 26, is the first contestant in a wheelchair to enter the Miss World Australia contest. Though she didn’t make it through to the finals at the next stage of the competition on Sunday, her presence alone was important.

Clark has relied on a wheelchair for the past two years, but has not opened up about the circumstances surrounding her condition. “I don’t really want to go in to what happened but I want to be a role model and empower young women,” she told The Advertiser: “For somebody in a wheelchair to be able to compete is a big thing. I really hope it sends a message that no matter what your race, size or disability — whatever makes you different — you are beautiful.”

Miss World Australia national director Deborah Miller was thrilled Clark was competing as she felt Clark exemplified Miss World’s Beauty With a Purpose initiative. Clark told The Daily Mail it was after learning of the high percentage of South Australian children in wheelchairs that she was motivated to enter. Though she didn't advance in Miss World, she plans to continue raising awareness and money for said children.

Another goal of hers? “I want the catwalk to be a fair and inclusive place for everyone,” she told the site. “A wheelchair does not define me or limit me. I can still be strong, feminine and beautiful.”