Miss Denmark Emma Heyst: “It takes a combination of qualities that go beyond just physical appearance”

Emma Heyst (21), won the finals of Miss Denmark 2024 held on September 1st.

By Emma Nijs and Ona Šniukštaitė

Miss Denmark 2024: Emma Heyst. Photo: Kirsti Wolthers

Emma Heyst, based in Sæby, challenged herself by participating in the Miss Denmark contest of 2024 which she won. Emma had no prior experience in this field but still went for it. She prepared herself for the big day: “The preparation involved significant effort, including physical training, public speaking practice, and various activities related to the competition. Preparing for a contest like Miss Denmark involves several steps, both mentally and physically.” 

Venue: Cirkusbygningens. Photo: Emma Nijs

Hard work, dedication and motivation are key elements to stay on track. Every contestant has their own reasoning why they’re participating. Emma herself describes it as: “I saw it as an opportunity to grow, build confidence, and make a positive impact.”

Red carpet Miss Denmark 2024. Photo: Ona Šniukštaitė

Although Emma Heyst made it to the top she still deals with misconceptions and stereotypes about beauty pageants. Emma states: “A common misconception about beauty pageants is that they are solely focused on physical appearance. The competition often includes segments on public speaking, personal advocacy, and social issues, highlighting that being a titleholder involves much more than just looking good. Pageants aim to celebrate well-rounded individuals who can serve as positive role models and make a difference in the world.”

It’s clear that Emma Heyst beats the stereotypes around beauty pageants contests. She really likes organizing events, animal welfare and (water) sports. She says: “It’s exciting to experience different cultures and see what the world has to offer.”

This story is for an audience in Belgium who usually reads articles about entertainment on www.hln.be.