Miss Grand Egypt, Shahy Hamdy, shared her amazing story regarding a life-changing motorcycle crash in 2016 when she broken her hips, her backbone and injured her jaw bone; she was actually paralyzed and spent a year in hospital rehabilitation, wondering if she’d ever walk again. Coincidentally, this this accident took place in the same city that MGI was held: Bangkok! And now, almost exactly 5 years later, she strut across the Miss Grand International stage in heels. Outstanding!
Jeanè Van Dam, Miss Grand South Africa, made history for her country by placing top 5! She was not only the first candidate representing South Africa to place top 5, she was the first to place at all! Her walk was consistent and powerful. What a prize for South Africa and the entire continent!
And then there’s Miss Grand Liberia, Hajamaya Mulbah, who made history as the first to represent Liberia at Miss Grand International. She wore a gorgeous palm tree costume that stunned and shared the importance of the plant to Liberians. Though she is not new to pageants this was her first pageant of this caliber and she held her own, growing a little more every time she hit the stage and making her country and so many others proud!
Hajamaya Mulbah with the Liberian flag 
Hajamaya in National Costume
Miss Grand Nigeria, Patience Christopher, also made history for her country by placing top 20. This was the first ever placement for Nigeria at Miss Grand International. Patience stunned in every section of the competition and even got to share her talent of singing during an MGI daily vlog. We love a versatile queen!
Miss Grand Angola, Márcia Menezes, became a fan favorite early after sharing more about her financial struggles and lack of new wardrobe for the competition. She also won best costume for her remarkable National Costume/performance and then made her country proud by placing in the top 20! She was the last name announced of the top 20 and she beamed with joy as she walked next to the others called. What a sight!
Noami Buan, Miss Grand Mauritius, is a 21-year-old model. She was a quiet storm at the Miss Grand International, but had such a graceful presence on stage! She has a beautiful physique and amazing national costume that she seemed to glide across the stage in. Though we felt this beauty didn’t get the publicity she deserved, the way she shined on stage spoke for itself and really put her in the fight for the crown.
