Miss England Boot Camp: A Grueling Challenge for Beauty Queens
A recent Royal Marines-style boot camp posed a significant challenge for contestants of the Miss England pageant, leaving two beauty queens injured. This relentless fitness test was part of the Miss England Sports Award, showcasing not just beauty but also strength and endurance.
On September 28, twenty contestants traded their high heels for running shoes as they underwent a rigorous commando-style fitness regime. The demanding workout comprised shuttle runs, press-ups, and squats, all while competing for a coveted spot in the grand finals of the beauty pageant.
Ultimately, Victoria Quinlan from Manchester emerged victorious, claiming the title of Miss England Sports Award. The 27-year-old professional dog groomer displayed not only skill but also resilience during the intense competition.
Unfortunately, the physical demands of the boot camp took their toll. Set on the pitches of Leicester City FC’s training ground, the hour-long session proved too intense for some participants. Contestants Grace Richardson, 20, and Harriet Jeffrey, 21, both sustained foot injuries that left them reliant on crutches.
Reflecting on her experience, Harriet mentioned, “I really pushed myself, and I was devastated to end up injured. A visit to the hospital revealed that I’ve torn a ligament in my knee and sustained tissue damage. I’ll still be present at the semi-finals to cheer on my fellow contestants.”
Grace added her own sentiments, expressing hope for recovery in time for the finals, saying, “I’ve dedicated months to preparing for this competition. It would be heartbreaking not to participate in the final if my injury doesn’t heal.” Both contestants had previously established a friendship, which added a layer of camaraderie amidst the competition.
The boot camp is known as one of the most challenging rounds of the Miss England contest, resulting in the elimination of half the contestants. After the grueling experience, the top five competitors faced off, leading to Victoria’s crowning moment.
As the excitement builds for the grand final in November, both Grace and Harriet are expected to recover adequately, having secured their spots through their county title wins. The Miss England semi-finals are set to take place at Wolverhampton’s Grand Station on October 3.
For updates and more information about Miss England, visit www.missengland.info.
