“Countdown to the Crown”: Episode 2 -- Why Swimsuits?

January 09, 2009

Since the main focus of the second episode of “Countdown to the Crown” is physical fitness, I thought it might be fun to talk about the swimsuit competition. Why is it in the pageant? Why is it important? How has it evolved over the years? What do the contestants really think of it? Let’s examine these questions, shall we?

In the early days of the Miss America pageant, swimsuits had a much larger focus in the competition. In fact there were also categories for men, children, organization and comedic attire.  The Miss America titleholders from 1935 to 1947 were crowned in their swimsuits and were often required to make appearances in swimsuit after Catalina Swimwear became a sponsor in the mid-1940s. All of that changed when Yolande Betbeze, Miss America 1951, refused to appear for publicity photos in a swimsuit because she wanted to be acknowledged for her operatic talents. Pageant officials granted her wish.

It seems there has always been some degree of controversy surrounding the swimsuit portion of the competition. In fact, there was a year (sometime in the mid 90’s) when the public was allowed to vote during the live telecast whether or not to have the swimsuit competition at all. The answer from the public was “yes”, and the swimsuit competition has lived on.

The swimsuit competition has definitely changed throughout the years; that is for certain. From 1948 until 1996, only one-piece swimsuits were allowed in competition. And when two-piece suits were originally allowed again in 1997, there were all sorts of rules involved. There was a strict “no string bikini” rule when I competed, and we had the straps of our suits measured to be sure they were the required thickness. The rules have softened again since then and now I think the only main rule is no thongs.

But I love the freshness that the competition has – the contestants really seem to have fun with it, and the focus seems to have shifted from the “va-va-voom, look-a-that girl in a bathing suit” feel to one of physical fitness and comfort in your own skin.  As a matter of fact, the swimsuit competition really isn’t even called the “swimsuit competition” anymore, is it?  It has since changed to be called “Lifestyle and Fitness”, which I think says a lot about the real focus of the competition.

So, what about the contestants? What DO they really think about competing in a swimsuit? I would say in general that no one really loves it. Did I get nervous?  Sure. Was I super-duper-excited to do it? Nope, not really. But the more I competed, the more comfortable I became with it, and in turn the more comfortable I became in my own skin. Not only did I become more confident in myself and learn how to carry myself well in what could be an awkward situation, but it helped keep me in shape. It gave me a constant “goal” to work towards, which really helped me stay focused on being healthy. While I’m sure that it probably takes a little getting used to for most contestants, it really is just a necessary step in the process towards getting that crown.

A few specifics about the episode: The obstacle course! How funny!  I cannot tell you how badly I want to slide through that suds-filled tunnel. I’m glad Miss Kansas didn’t hurt herself too badly. Can you imagine her having to explain WHY she needed to compete in a back brace for Miss America?? Whew! Thank goodness that crisis was averted. Congrats Blue and Grey!

Oh my gosh, I love the guest consultant, Shakara Ledard. I love that there is an honest-to-goodness model giving tips on the swimsuit walks. I love the more fashion-esqe and less pageantry tips she was giving. The girls did a great job on that runway!

Way to sass it up in the individual competition, ladies! This is truly a beautiful, fit and confident group.

Congrats to Miss Georgia on her golden sash win! Since I live in Atlanta now, I definitely consider myself an honorary “Georgia Peach”, so thanks for representing, girl!

Comments

[Lance]

Some American's spell it GRAY, but the more widely known international spelling is GREY so simmer down.

[Stephanie McAdam]

Grey may be correct in the UK, but we are in the United States and are crowning Miss AMERICA here. Do we really want to look like idiots in the process? Here is what the dictionary says about the word GRAY:

gray: adjective:
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English grǣg; akin to Old High German grīs, grāo gray Date: before 12th century

a: of the color gray b: tending toward gray c: dull in color

So there you have it. The word grey is derived from the English word gray.

I just think they should change the spelling from grey to gray. Even my spell check underlines the word grey every time I type it.

[South Dakota Girl]

Actually the spelling gray is not incorrect both spellings grey/gray are correct depending on which you use Grey is a UK spelling...Gray is a US spelling. It is nice to hear from Nicole on what she feels about the Countdown to the Crown and all the extra insight to the pageant. Thank you

[Mom on the Plains]

I thought the judges were rude to Miss South Dakota when she spoke about her families experience with a ufo. Their comments hinted that she was making it up. Well there were sightings all over the news this week. Hmmm....perhaps she was not making it up.

[Stephanie McAdam]

I can barely watch the show because every time the "Grey" teams name is on the screen I want to SCREAMMMMMMMMM!!! The color is spelled "GRAY" not "GREY". OMG this is a scholarship pageant and there is a misspelled word on the screen repeatedly. Please fix this.

I am leaving this comment here because I thought it might get to the right people from here.

[Donna Engelgau]

Thank you, Nicole. I really appreciate the insights you have brought to the show and the perspective you bring as a former contestant yourself. It's refreshing to hear what you have to say. I particularly love the way you bring history to life.