Isn't it quite difficult to believe that Norway has not won a single Miss World crown? See, the Swedes and Icelanders have three each while the Finns have one. Well at least the Danes don't have one anyway. But it is indeed perplexing that Norway is yet to win the Miss World crown. Hope is on the air however, as Lene Egeli will represent the Land of the Midnight Sun (the Swedes claim the same title) and the homeland of the Vikings (yet again the Swedes claim the same title). Now that the Swedes have trouble finding the girl to represent them, the Norwegians are lucky enough to have Lene - gorgeous, fierce and stunning - as their representative.
Please describe yourself, where you grew up and your hobbies.
I would say that I am a positive, out-going and very down-to earth person. When I have a goal, I do my best to achieve it. This counts for school as much as it does in my spare time. When I commit to something, I give it my all. I would also say that I am humble, emotional and open-minded person that loves children and people in general.
I was blessed with a great family, a happy childhood and a good education. School was always extremely important to me. Growing up in Stavanger, Norway, close to the fjords and the forests, I grew to appreciate nature. I spent many a weekend hiking and skiing in the mountains.
One of my key interests is working with children. The past two years, I worked with and mentored children with autism, which was a great experience. I also love to travel and have traveled extensively. One of my fondest memories is the time I spent in Thailand volunteering with an organization that helps women of all ages that have been forced into prostitution. I continue to work with organizations in Thailand, but the one closest to my heart is The Immanuel Home Hostel that helps rural Thai residents gain access to an education, such that urban-migration isn’t their only option. I love to read, especially non-fiction. I am currently fascinated by the history of the Second World War. I have also always been involved in outdoor activities. While I continue to pursue athletics in general, running has always been where my talent lied. I focused on short distance races that suited my focused and goal orientated personality. I am still passionate about running and keep up with it whenever my busy schedule permits. Modeling is another hobby that turned into a part-time career. I have been working as a model since l was 15 years old. It has been a great experience to date and I’ve been able to experience so many things that I would never be able to experience otherwise.
What is your fashion style?
If l had to choose one style, it would be feminine and classic. I have to admit that I love dresses! But obviously it depends a lot on my mood that day. Some days l feel very laid back and my style reflects that, then I just throw on jeans and a top. Other days, I’m in the mood for getting dressed up. When it comes to fashion, my motto is “less is more”.
Can you share to us your beauty secret?
While I am a true believer in drinking a lot of water and getting enough sleep, I am convinced that beauty comes from the inside, and if you feel good about yourself, that will shine through to the outside world.
How were you selected as Miss Norway World? Describe the selection process.
There were 2250 girls that wanted to become Miss Norway 2008 and only 200 girls were chosen out of that pool of candidates. From there, only 40 were chosen by the jury and the Norwegian people. All of the candidates got together for a weekend of challenges after which, another round of voting took place. The jury then chose 10 finalists after another weekend of even more challenges including photoshoots and fashion shows. Then it was time for the big final: There were 8 people sitting in the jury, we had a live TV-show with various Norwegian artists and an audience in the studio watching. They announced the top 3 finalists. The first name they called had to leave the stage. I was so nervous when we only were two girls standing on the stage, waiting for the winner to be announced. Actually we were both from the same city in Norway, Stavanger. When they finally called my name as the winner, it was like a dream come true. It was absolutely fantastic!
What qualities do you think that will enable you to win the Miss World 2008 crown?
I think the most important role of the winner of World is being a good role model and I think I have the traits that would qualify me as one. I am humble, hard-working, positive, out-going, down to earth, open-minded, reliable, independent and very committed to this.
I have the passion to really make a difference in the world. I believe the winner of Miss World should be an advocate of charities, pushing others to help those less fortunate then themselves. This is a quality that I possess and one that I believe makes me a top candidate for Miss World.
What is the most interesting or unique experience that has happened to you?
I have had a number of unique experiences in both my professional and personal lives. In terms of my career, the most valuable experience to date is being chosen by the people of Norway to represent them in Miss World. Through being chosen to participate in this competition, l have gotten the opportunity to travel within my own country to places that l have never been before. It has also impacted my personal life on many levels.
My beauty with a purpose project was an invaluable lesson in the ways of the World. I was deeply touched by the gratitude and sincerity of the Thai women l worked with. It gave me a different perspective on things and made me even more aware of everything I have been blessed with.
What would you say to some people who think that beauty pageants are outdated?
I would say that Miss World is so much more than a beauty pageant. It empowers women by celebrating feminine beauty in all shapes and forms. It promotes global citizenship by challenging us to be ambassadors of our countries. We can make a huge difference by being role models and really working to change things for the better. Miss World promotes the beauty with a purpose project and with that we are able to put our case in the spotlight, and try our best to make the world a better place.
How would you describe Norway to the rest of Miss World 2008 delegates?
Norway is a beautiful country that I am very proud to represent. It is the world’s third largest oil exporter and is mainly controlled from the oil capital Stavanger that is my hometown. This makes us one of the wealthiest nations in the world in per capita terms and we are very privileged in that sense. Norway has marvelous nature; the fjords, beaches and the mountains. We have four seasons, which I like, but it can get quite cold during wintertime.
Our welfare system is absolutely outstanding! We have free health care, free hospitalization and free education. We Norwegians have a friendly and loyal relationship with our State, we look at it as someone you can turn to for help.
In our country, we have a well functioning democratic system. We are an open minded country when it comes to respecting other cultures and alternative ways of life. This is because we have a very multi-cultural society, which I think is great regarding the variety of food, music, and religion as a result of that. I think this is positive because we can learn a lot from each other....
What is your motto in life?
Treat others as you would like to be treated (The Golden Rule.)
Lastly, a message to the web visitors of Missosology.Org….
Hello everybody! Thank you so much for reading about me and my country. I hope you found it interesting! I am very grateful for the getting the opportunity to represent our country in Miss World 2008, and I hope that you will all be cheering for me.
Hei alle sammen! Vi trenger å sette Norge på kartet, Norge har aldri vunnet Miss World før, nå er det på tide! ;) Saa håper dere alle kommer til å støtte meg frem!
Special thanks to Kirby Ann Basken, Miss Norway Universe 2007 for facilitating the interview and great photos of Lene!
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