TORONTO—While she is disappointed at not having been selected Miss Universe, Madison Kvaltin said the experience of being in the pageant and the wisdom she has gained in the past year has allowed her to look forward to the next stage of her life.
“I wish the results had been different, but I left everything on the stage,” stated Ms. Kvaltin of Gore Bay following her time representing Canada at Miss Universe 2023 in San Salvador. “It has been an amazing experience and having graced the Miss Universe stage was a huge accomplishment in itself.”
“I am spending a couple of days in Toronto myself after all the craziness of the past two weeks,” said Ms. Kvaltin. “The whole year has been an amazing experience, and San Salvador is a very warm and gracious country. And I made awesome connections with the other (71) women in the pageant.”
Ms. Kvaltin said she has “endless possibilities to consider” in regard to her future. “Right now, I am going to finish my work on the lead management program with Manitoulin Transport and can look to travel more and my work in philanthropy. I’m going to be able to pursue my dreams outside of pageantry.”
“I have spent the past 10-and-a-half years in pageantry, and that chapter has now been closed after the Miss Universe pageant,” continued Ms. Kvaltin. “Now I can begin an exciting new chapter in my life.”
Earlier this year Ms. Kvaltin won the 2023 Miss Universe Canada pageant, one of 58 contestants. She has been fundraising for SOS Children’s Villages, which is the official charity of Miss Universe Canada.
In 2022 Ms. Kvaltin finished as first runner-up at Miss Universe Canada and competed in Japan at the Miss International, where she finished in the top eight, the highest ranking for a Canadian contestant since the early 1960s. She won the 2023 Canada Miss Universe pageant earlier this year.
Ms. Kvaltin, who is 25, is originally from Sudbury, having moved to Gore Bay well over a year ago. Apart from working at Manitoulin Transport Ms. Kvaltin is also an entrepreneur who owns two companies, Skill Athletics that sells athletic wear and Mad Media Marketing that focuses on body imaging and positive health.
“For now, I’m excited to be going back home, back to my roots and to be around family,” said Ms. Kvaltin. “Yes, I had family, friends and neighbours around the past two weeks and felt so much love and support in being part of the Miss Universe pageant.”