Miss Belize Faith Edgar is reflecting on a historic run at the recently concluded Miss World competition in Vietnam, saying she feels “lucky” to have represented her country on the global stage.

The 24-year-old dental student became only the second woman from Belize to place at Miss World, capping her campaign with the Beauty with a Purpose continental title for the Americas and the Caribbean.

Edgar won the title for her dental outreach programme, earning an automatic place in the Miss World Top 40.

Now that the competition is over, Edgar said her biggest emotion is not sadness but gratitude for the opportunity and the people who helped her along the way.

“Now that the noise has settled a little, I’ve had a chance to really sit with what just happened. And honestly, my biggest feeling isn’t sadness that it’s over. It’s just how lucky I feel,” she said.

Edgar, who is from San Pedro, said she was proud to have stood on the Miss World stage in Vietnam representing Belize.

She thanked her mother for supporting her throughout her journey, describing taking her along for the experience as one of the greatest gifts.

She also expressed gratitude to her close friends John and Bryce for their support throughout the competition, as well as her partner Hassan, who she described as her “safe place” during the pressures and emotions of the experience.

“You have witnessed me navigate every emotion throughout this journey: the excitement, the pressure, the tears, the moments when I questioned myself, and the moments when I finally believed in myself again,” Edgar said.

She also thanked her sponsors and everyone who invested in her Miss World journey for helping her represent Belize.