Miss World Australia Kristen Wright says beauty pageants create opportunities for young women

Uni student and newly crowned Miss World Australia Kristen Wright has hit out at beauty pageant critics and revealed her priority focus in the role.

Kristen Wright from Melbourne was crowned Miss World Australia 2022. Picture: Supplied

Mornington Peninsula scuba diving instructor Kristen Wright has challenged beauty pageant sceptics to “not judge a book by its cover” after she was crowned Miss World Australia.

Wright, 23, who studies biomedical science at Victoria University, won the title on the Gold Coast on Friday and was quick to defend the pageant from naysayers and nags who brand them out of date.

“I think that those who disagree with beauty pageants aren’t aware of the opportunities that they do create for young women, in particular,” Wright said.

“It does empower women as it gives a voice to them and they can speak up on topics that are important to them and create a platform that can go on beyond the period that they are competing.

Kristen Wright is a biomedical science student. Picture: Supplied

“To the sceptics I would say don’t judge a book by its cover and any opportunity that gives a voice to someone who has something meaningful to say, that is priceless.”

Wright is hoping to put a spotlight on the importance of CPR, first aid and water safety during her year as Miss World Australia.

“Being a diving instructor I have learnt these skills from a very young age however my project is orientated around travelling to schools, communities and youth centres as well as workplaces to teach the importance of CPR and first aid,” she said.

Having now won the first pageant she entered, Wright is setting her sights on representing Australia at the Miss World International Final, the location of which is yet to be announced.