Miss Netherlands, Delay Willemstijn, announced her withdrawal from the global beauty pageant, refusing to travel to Puerto Rico, where the final competition for the title is taking place. The 21-year-old Willemstijn justified her decision to withdraw from the Miss World competition by stating her unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which is a prerequisite that contestants must comply with. According to the British newspaper "Daily Mail," Willemstijn will be replaced by Lizzy Duop, a runner-up in the Miss Netherlands competition.
In an interview with local media, Willemstijn said her dream had always been to win the title of Miss World. She indicated in a post on her Instagram account that she had contemplated her decision for several months and continued to postpone her vaccination decision until the organizers of the Miss World competition contacted her. She explained that she made the decision to refuse when the organizers asked her to schedule a vaccination appointment. Willemstijn believes that although she has missed the opportunity to achieve her dream, she does not regret her decision, noting that "other doors and opportunities will open for her."
According to the health regulations in Puerto Rico, attendance at events held at full capacity requires attendees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, or else capacity will be reduced by half.
