Back without the crown

Malawi’s Miss Teen Universe 2026 representative Leonorah Cooke says her experience at the international pageant in Cambodia has taught her valuable lessons despite missing out on a place in the Top 20.

The beauty queen said she was disappointed to return home without the crown but remained grateful for the opportunity to showcase her country on an international platform.

“My heart is truly broken that I couldn’t come back home with the crown, but I want you all to know that I really tried my best,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Cooke: Representing Malawi was an honour.

| Courtesy of Leonorah Cooke

Cooke said the support from Malawians made her feel connected home while competing abroad, adding that representing Malawi was an honour.

The contestant’s journey included reaching the Top 15 in the Social Project Competition with her Light of Hope initiative, which focuses on advocacy for people with albinism.

She said that although she did not advance to the overall Top 20, the achievement gave her campaign recognition within one of the pageant’s competition categories.

“This is not the ending I prayed for and honestly, it hurts. But I know that representing Malawi was an honour and this experience has taught me so much,” she said.

Miss Teen Universe Malawi national director Lorraine Kljajić thanked Malawians for supporting Cooke throughout the competition.

“Malawians, you really supported our queen. We don’t take that support for granted. Thank you so much, we are grateful,” Kljajić wrote on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Miss World Malawi 2026 Ireen Navicha has encouraged Cooke to remain confident, saying her participation on the international stage was still something to celebrate.

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