Miss World contestant in wheelchair hopes to make catwalk 'inclusive and fair'
In an ivory gown, Australian woman Justine Clarke, 26, turned heads at the South Australian state final of Miss World Australia on Sunday.
She also broke boundaries, becoming one of the few women to have competed in a beauty pageant while using a wheelchair. "I want the catwalk to be an inclusive and fair experience for everyone," Clarke said in a statement.
Clarke has been in a wheelchair for two years, according to The Advertiser.
"For somebody in a wheelchair to be able to compete is a big thing. I really hope it sends a message that no matter what your race, size or disability — whatever makes you different — you are beautiful," she told the newspaper.
"I want to be a role model and empower young women."
Unfortunately, Clarke didn't make it to the next round of competition, with Aishah Stocker and Sophie Ludbrock named as state finalists.
She may have another chance, however. Entrants can also make the nationwide final with Miss World's Beauty with a Purpose campaign, which raises funds for local children's charity, Variety.
"I know how challenging financially it can be to be disabled and I want to help families who are burdened with that stress," she said.
The highest fundraiser will get to strut their stuff in the national final in July.
