There are very rarely ugly contestants at an international pageant. The contestants usually range from attractive to gorgeous, yet, because it is a contest based essentially on physical appearance, some girls at the pageant will be called more beautiful than others and the ones left behind are unfortunately labelled the "ugly ducklings in the pond".When a contestant is criticised for her physical appearance, the criticism is based on a comparison with the other girls competing. From a universal perspective, however, even the least attractive contestant at the pageant is far more attractive than the average girl on the street.
Rachel Christie, who was crowned Miss England a while back is, in my books at least, a very attractive girl. She is an accomplished track and field athlete, and chances are very good she will be named to the British Olympic Team in 2012. Unfortunately she was far from the prettiest girl at the pageant.
The voters that participated in online voting for Miss England share my sentiments and she only placed 49th out of 54 contestants. Her win was also very controversial and a number of the contestants spoke out in the media about the sorry state of affairs at the pageant.
Whatever your opinion of Miss Christie, what should be considered is that England has failed to make the semi-finals of the Miss World pageant since "pa fell off the bus", and I would not be in the least bit surprised if she wins the Sports Award in Johannesburg and is fast-tracked into the semi-finals. Perhaps that played a big part in the decision to appoint her Miss England. Who knows.