Alina Robert, the first runner-up in Miss Universe Cuba 2024, has shared an emotional reaction following the pageant, where Marianela Ancheta was crowned as Cuba's representative for Miss Universe. Through her Instagram account, Alina posted two videos expressing her pride in participating in the beauty contest and the significance of being part of this historic event for the island.
In one particular post featuring a short video of her evening gown walk where she made the "L" gesture for liberty, Alina wrote, "Here, proud of the Cuban woman, I take pride in representing FREEDOM FOR CUBA." In her words, Alina thanked those who supported her throughout the competition, including the jury members and the organization.
"Thank you [...] for the platform and for bringing the Cuban woman back to the international beauty pageant arena," the model noted, closing her post with the hashtags #SOSCUBA and #MissUniverseCuba.
Emotional Moments Shared with Fans
Beyond this post, Alina had previously shared a video where she, visibly moved, sang a cappella a segment of Gilberto Santa Rosa's song "La agarro bajando." Struggling to contain her emotions, she said, "God has another plan, thank you for all the love and support; tonight was a beautiful night."
Alina also touched on the symbolic meaning of the crown: "That crown represents the tears of mothers who have lost their children at sea, that crown unveils the frozen time on our island." She concluded with a heartfelt message to her audience: "I want to thank you for accompanying me on this Miss Universe Cuba journey. Sending a kiss from your Havana."
A Journey of Representation
The model, who entered the pageant with high expectations, had already shared her excitement in a video recorded just before the gala and posted to her Instagram stories. In it, she reiterated her gratitude for the support received: "I will go on stage with my heart on my sleeve to represent us [...] we are 24 dreams on stage," a message that reflected her enthusiasm for representing Cuban women in an international competition after 57 years without a representative from the island in Miss Universe.
The Miss Universe Cuba 2024 pageant was filled with emotions. Marianela Ancheta, who competed as the Central Region candidate, was chosen by a panel of 17 judges and will represent Cuba in the Miss Universe competition taking place in November in Mexico City. Alina Robert, who finished as the first runner-up, stood out not only for her beauty and elegance but also for the personal and patriotic significance she brought to her participation in this competition.
Through her words, Alina Robert made it clear that, although she did not win the crown, she leaves with the satisfaction of having made history and proudly representing her country and its women, tying her experience in the pageant to a message of freedom for Cuba.