Miss World Philippines Gwendolyne Fourniol/GWEN FOURNIOL FACEBOOK PHOTO
For the first time since her heartbreaking loss in the 2024 Miss World pageant, the Philippines’ representative Gwendolyne Fourniol finally shared her thoughts, saying she is still in a “state of confusion” as to why she missed the cut.
On Facebook, Fourniol said that while she is “dumbfounded” by the love and support that was being sent her way, she couldn’t help but be emotional.
“I can’t help but be emotional and my eyes are swelling with tears trying to hold it all in so the world can see a brave woman who gave her all. But like any human, I think it is normal to admit that it is okay to be vulnerable, it is okay to be hurt, it is okay to be in shock and question myself and my abilities,” she stated.
“I am admittedly still in a state of confusion. And I asked myself what went wrong, what I did differently or what was missed because I tried to cover all possible angles. But the overthinking brought me at a standstill and I now rest in the thought that this is something I can learn from. I also have faith that a divine being is guiding me to a bigger yet an unknown path for now,” she further said.
Many pageant watchers were shocked at Fourniol’s exclusion from the Top 40 delegates announced during the contest’s finale show held at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, India, on March 9.
The French-Filipino model and student from Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, was in the Top 32 of the Sports Challenge, in the Top 25 of the Head-to-Head Challenge, in the Top 23 of the Talent contest, and in the Top 20 of the Top Model competition. Thus, many were in disbelief that she was not able to hurdle the first round of elimination during the finale show.
She had been preparing for the international pageant for more than a year, having received her national title in June 2022. She had also proactively championed the cause of the ERDA (Educational Research and Development Assistance) Foundation even before earning the national crown.
Fourniol said the thought of disappointing those who supported her breaks her heart, and “the thought of disheartening the people who I am fighting for, the children of ERDA, the mother volunteers who tirelessly devote their time to the cause, really crushes my soul.”
Decades ago, the foundation provided free education to her mother who came from an impoverished community in Negros Occidental.
Fourniol, however, said that she will continue with her tasks despite her loss, as she is seeing the bigger picture now — being able to continue advocating for causes close to her heart.
“I have come to realize that there are things within my control that I gave my best on. And there things not within my control that I lifted up to destiny and to God. I shall soldier on… because I know I will be stronger, better and wiser,” she said.
The 23-year-old beauty likewise expressed her gratitude to the Miss World Organization (MWO) for the once-in-a-lifetime journey. “I have met 112 gorgeous women with impactful voices and social causes that will make a difference in the world. And this brings me so much joy,” she said.
The Miss World title eventually went to Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic, an early favorite among international pageant followers, who inherited the crown from fellow European and blonde Karolina Bielawska from Poland.
Megan Young remains to be the lone Miss World winner from the Philippines. She captured the title in the international pageant’s 63rd edition held in Indonesia in 2013.
Meanwhile, the search for Fourniol’s Miss World Philippines successor will soon be underway. The national organization already hinted on social media that the 2024 contest will take place in the coming months.
