First woman with Down syndrome to compete in Miss USA pageant
The world of beauty pageants isn’t exactly known for its inclusiveness and diversity, but the Miss USA Minnesota state pageant has taken a big leap forward, welcoming the first ever contestant with Down syndrome.
Mikayla Holmgren, 22, competed in the event over the weekend and took home the Spirit of Miss USA award and the Director’s Award.
“I’m really good at them because it’s my passion,” she told KSTP News. “It’s really fun. As I do more pageants and I’m really proud of myself … this is my dream.”
It’s not the first time Holmgren has won big at pageants. In 2015, she was crowned Minnesota Junior Miss Amazing and moved on to the national Junior Miss Amazing in Los Angeles.
“Anybody that spends even five minutes with her knows that she is the right person to be the first to represent a community of people that need to see themselves doing something like this,” Miss USA executive director Denise Wallace said.