New Miss Universe Croatia Emphasizes Authenticity and Inner Beauty

Zagreb's Antea Mršić, 24, has won the 30th Miss Universe Croatia title and will represent the country at the global pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Mršić expressed that the feeling of winning is hard to describe, having anticipated the victory but learned not to promise outcomes she cannot control. She emphasized focusing on effort, preparation, and authenticity, leaving the rest to fate. Her first shared moment of joy was with her first runner-up, Monika Vojvodić, who accompanied her throughout the journey.

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The feeling is hard to describe in words, everything happened so quickly. I was hoping for victory, of course, but I've learned not to promise myself outcomes I can't control. You can control the effort, the preparation, and how true you are to yourself, and leave the rest.

The competition was described as intense yet wonderful, with Mršić cherishing the moments of camaraderie and laughter with other contestants during rehearsals. She believes these shared experiences build lasting bonds beyond the title itself. Her preparations were comprehensive, focusing on stage presence, presentation, and being her most authentic self. She is eagerly anticipating the world competition in Puerto Rico, viewing it as a special opportunity to represent Croatia on an international stage. Mršić stated she has no pressure from high expectations, only the intention to give her best and enjoy the experience.

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The entire competition was intense, but wonderful. The favorite part was getting to know the girls, the laughter between rehearsals, those little things the audience doesn't see. That's where something is built that lasts longer than the title itself.

Mršić plans to emphasize authenticity at the global pageant, aiming to be a real person with a genuine story rather than playing a role. She believes Croatia has much to offer and that the most powerful message comes from the heart. Importantly, she wants to convey that beauty is not merely external; behind the crown is a thinking woman with convictions who desires to make a tangible impact. This message of inner substance and purpose is what she intends to share in Puerto Rico.

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I am very much looking forward to it. Puerto Rico is a beautiful destination in itself, and to represent Croatia on a global level is something special. I don't have the pressure of high expectations, I just intend to give my best and enjoy the experience.

Laura Gnjatović, the previous Miss Universe Croatia, passed the crown to Mršić and offered advice. Mršić found their conversation valuable, as Gnjatović shared insights from her own experience, advising Mršić to remain true to herself, avoid conforming to others' expectations, and savor every moment, as it passes quickly. Although born in Canada and having lived in numerous countries, Mršić considers Croatia her home, with roots in Aržano and Imotski on her mother's and father's sides, respectively. She feels a strong connection to the country, regardless of where she has lived.

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First and foremost, authenticity. I don't want to go there and play a role, I want to be a real person with a real story. Croatia has so much to offer, and I think the strongest message is one that comes from the heart.