Mia Le Roux recently crowned Miss South Africa 2024, has announced her withdrawal from the Miss Universe competition due to health issues.

In a statement released by the Miss South Africa Organisation on Friday, Le Roux expressed deep gratitude for the support from South Africans, acknowledging the difficulty of stepping back from her dreams to focus on her health.

“This decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me,” Le Roux shared, adding that she is thankful for the chance to prioritize her health and recovery.

“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me,” said Le Roux.

READ ALSO : Mia Le Roux emerges first deaf Miss South Africa 2024 beauty pageant

Her withdrawal marks another development in what has been a complex year for the Miss South Africa pageant. Earlier, contestant Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition following backlash over her Nigerian-South African heritage. Adetshina, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, later won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 title.

Le Roux, who is of Dutch Boer heritage, was subsequently crowned Miss South Africa. The Miss South Africa Organisation expressed full support for Le Roux, emphasizing her resilience and commitment to her health.

“Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period,” the organization stated, noting that her well-being remains a priority.

Le Roux was born in Sasolburg, Free State in 1995 and later relocated to Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, where she was raised. Le Roux currently resides in Rosebank in Cape Town.

Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, at the age of one and as result she was fitted with a cochlear implant to aid her hearing.

Credible News.ng