The Miss World 2026 pageant underway in Vietnam features over 100 contestants from around the globe, including unique historical milestones and notable international representatives. The competition brings together candidates with diverse personal backgrounds, ranging from the overcoming of illnesses to surprising language skills.
Mary Sickler Competes With Alopecia Universalis
Mary Sickler is competing wearing a wig, marking a distinct presence on the international stage. According to reports from Today and People, Sickler stepped in as the United States representative after the reigning Miss World America, Jade Glab, withdrew to focus on the subsequent year’s pageant in Tanzania. Sickler previously placed as the runner-up at the Miss World America competition.
Sickler’s platform centers on her experience with alopecia universalis, an autoimmune condition causing complete hair loss. Alopecia universalis results in the loss of scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. Sickler first noticed symptoms in December 2024 and subsequently shaved her remaining hair in July 2025. She serves as an ambassador for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), an organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by hair loss and raising public awareness.
Mongkoutphet Harnsana Highlights Cultural Heritage
Representing Laos in the international competition, Mongkoutphet Harnsana brings a background in media production and cultural preservation. Harnsana stands 1.73 meters tall and originates from the Salavan province, currently living and working in Bangkok, Thailand. She holds a degree in media arts and works as a content creator, YouTuber, and filmmaker focused on traditional Laotian weaving and community heritage.
Harnsana communicates in four languages, including Laotian, English, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Event Overview and Context
The Miss World organization gathers delegates to participate in the competition.
- Location: Vietnam
- Contestants: Over 100 delegates worldwide
- US Representative: Mary Sickler
- Laos Representative: Mongkoutphet Harnsana
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