The secrets of Michelle’s Miss Universe success

Namibian women are widely regarded as some of the most beautiful in the world, but this has not translated regular top five or even top ten finishes at international beauty pageants. In fact, since 1980, there have been 32 winners and the only beauty to have hoisted the country’s flag to unimaginable heights – winning the 1992 Miss Universe title after ending in the top five of the Miss World pageant in 1991 – is Michelle McLean, now known as Michelle McLean-Bailey. Since her Miss Universe reign, the soft-spoken, 1.83 m beauty has continued to stand tall. She went on to establish the Michelle McLean’s Children’s Trust and is one of the most celebrated women in Africa. Apart from Michelle, the only other Miss Namibia winners to leave a big impression on the Miss Universe pageant were Barbara Kahatjipara, who won the Miss Congeniality title in 1994, and Ndapewa Alfons, who made it into the top ten of the 2002 competition. Anna Nashandi made it into the top 16 of the 2006 Miss World pageant. Miss Namibia 2009 Odile Gertze placed among the top 25 finalists at the 2010 Miss World competition, while the reigning Miss Namibia Paulina Malulu did not place anywhere at last year’s Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. tjil asked Michelle, who now resides in Florida, what her preparations for the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants were like. “Apart from physical exercise and toning, I did a great deal of mental preparation by studying the historical aspects of Namibia, as well as the economic, political and socio-economic status,” she says. Michelle says she took her responsibility of being a goodwill ambassador to heart, by ensuring that she was an informed spokesperson for Namibia. She says she strongly advices all title holders to take on the responsibility of ensuring that they are an informed. “I believe it is an incredible opportunity to represent your country at any level whether as a title holder or a sportsperson or as a youth leader, and we should respect and utilise this platform for the future of our beautiful country,” she says. Asked what needs to be done to ensure that Namibia performs better at international pageants, Michelle said Conny Maritz, the owner and organiser of Miss Namibia has done an amazing job over the years to groom and advise Miss Namibia title holders to achieve their goals. However, she really needs the total commitment of government and of the business community to assist her and the Miss Namibia winners. Michelle appealed to the business community and government to support the Miss Namibia competition in any way they can, so that it can be give the recognition it deserves. Only then will Miss Namibia be able to represent the country to her best of her abilities on an international level, says Michelle. “This can only happen with funding to ensure that our Miss Namibia attends these competitions with a beautiful collection of clothing and the right amount of mentorship throughout her year,” she adds. WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH