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Jonathan Berry, from Opossum Bay, has won Mr Universe

A Tasmanian Aboriginal man has made history as the first Australian man to take out the crown for Mr Universe.

See Tassie's own Mr Universe Jonathan Berry in 2019

A Tasmanian Aboriginal man has made history as the first Australian man to take out the crown for the pageant.

Palawa man Jonathan Berry, from Opossum Bay, won the title, which was held in India this month.

Mr Berry is also a proud gay man and LGBTIQ+ advocate.

Jony Berry. Image: Australian of the Year Awards
Jony Berry. Image: Australian of the Year Awards

After his big win, Mr Berry took to social media to announce the news.

“History was made tonight … I won Mr Universe,” Mr Berry said via Instagram on Monday.

Jonathan Berry has made history after winning Mr Universe. Image: Jonathan Berry Instagram
Jonathan Berry has made history after winning Mr Universe. Image: Jonathan Berry Instagram

“The first Australian to hold a Universe title since Jennifer Hawkin’s win 20 years ago … The first Australian male ever sent and the first Aboriginal person in history.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way and who made this possible.

“I can’t wait to bring this home to you all and start my reign.

“I’m so full of pride and so honoured and so exhausted at the same time.”

Mr Berry showcased a piece of Tasmania during the competition, donning a maireener shell necklace

“It’s an incredible feeling to showcase the beauty of my country in this incredible experience,” He said in a post on August 22.

Jonathan Berry has made history after winning Mr Universe. Image: Jonathan Berry Instagram
Jonathan Berry has made history after winning Mr Universe. Image: Jonathan Berry Instagram

Mr Berry also won Mr World Australia in 2019 and was a nominee in 2022 for Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year.

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/jonathan-berry-from-opossum-bay-has-won-mr-universe/news-story/a226af45c8ff37decee1ba5dd00a1301