Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024 will not be competing in this year’s Miss Universe pageant, due to health challenges. 
The organization issued a statement early on Friday morning confirming the news. The Miss Universe competition was set to take place this weekend. 
“Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health,” the Miss South Africa organisation’s statement read. 
Le Roux, the first hearing-impaired winner in the competition’s 66-year history, was crowned Miss South Africa in August this year. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss when she was a year old and relies on a cochlear implant. 
Of her absence at the Miss Universe competition, Le Roux said she was “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 on me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,” Le Roux said.