@beautypageantscenter: Broken Without Being Defeated": Miss World Ethiopia Ruth Yirgalem Shares Tragic Loss of Sister Just Days Before Global Pageant ETHIOPIA — In one of the most emotional moments at the 73rd Miss World Head-to-Head Challenge, Miss World Ethiopia Ruth Yirgalem moved the audience to tears after revealing the heartbreaking tragedy she faced just days before arriving at the competition. Growing up in hardship after losing her mother, Ruth watched her father sacrifice everything for their family. For eight years, she dedicated her life to protecting and caring for her older sister, who battled epilepsy and relentless bullying. However, just one week before Ruth was set to depart to represent Ethiopia on the global stage, tragedy struck. Her sister went out to surprise Ruth with handmade jewelry for the competition, but was kidnapped. After nine agonizing days of prayers and desperate searching, Ruth received the most devastating news imaginable: her beloved sister had been murdered—and the perpetrator was Ruth’s own best friend of ten years. Despite the profound pain and betrayal, Ruth chose to step onto the Miss World stage to carry out her mission. "I am not here because I am cold-hearted," Ruth shared during her speech. "I am here because I have a responsibility—to honor my father’s and sister’s prayers, to represent Ethiopia, and to fulfill my promise to advocate for women and children." Ruth is using her platform to lead her project, "The Silent Struggle," which focuses on supporting children’s mental health and assisting women suffering from obstetric fistula to restore their dignity and strength. Drawing strength from her heritage, Ruth recalled an Ethiopian proverb: "A gold is tested by fire until its value is known." She emphasized that while tragedy brought immense grief, it only revealed her purpose and inner strength. Ending her speech with a powerful message of hope for anyone enduring heavy pain, Ruth stated: "You can be broken without being defeated. Someone may try to break your journey, but they do not write your ending." #MissWorld2026

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Monday 24 August 2026 12:39:14 GMT