A student from Belarus has been crowned Miss Wheelchair World at the inaugural beauty pageant which took place in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday.
Aleksandra Chichikova, who studies psychology and social pedagogy, was awarded first prize ahead of runner-up Lebohang Monyatsi (South Africa) in the global competition, which involved 24 female contestants from 19 different countries.
“Fight your anxiety and your fears,” the 23-year-old winner said at the celebratory contest gala, where contestants donned national costumes noted.
“I am convinced my life can illustrate that a person may be successful, strong, purpose-driven, beautiful and attractive regardless of how he moves,” her contestant profile reads.