This year global domination could be Canberra's as two local women are priming and preening to compete for crowning glory in two of the biggest beauty pageants – Miss Universe and Miss World.
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A woman from the ACT has never won the title fight in either of the international battles of beauty, brains and philanthropy, however 2013, Canberra's Centenary year, could be the one.
In the red corner, Natasha Roberts, 25, is set to compete in the Miss Universe NSW state final on May 29, and in the blue corner is Miss World hopeful, Brook Leslight, 22, who will take part in the national final in June.
This will be the first time the women have entered the pageant world ring and have so far enjoyed their experiences and the support they have received from the local community such as dress sponsors, fitness tips and beauty treatments.
"I entered because I wanted to have something I could work towards, it's a great confidence builder," Ms Roberts said of the Miss Universe competition.
In between juggling her event planning and marketing career she is busy brushing up on current affairs, working on her fitness and running from dress fittings to hair and make-up trials.
While she hasn't pulled on the boxing gloves for her preparation, her trainer has developed a workout program featuring regular yoga and strengthening sessions.
"I hate lunges. I must say that's the only part of the entire thing that I'm not enjoying, but other than that I'm really looking forward to representing the ACT at a state and hopefully a national and international level," she said.
Ms Leslight, a medical science graduate who is preparing to study medicine next year, is a keen boxer who is enjoying regular sparring sessions, something she fits in between work and fund-raising for the Miss World foundation.
"I decided to enter Miss World instead of Miss Universe because of the charity aspect. The monies raised go toward buying medical supplies for Aboriginal communities, which is an area that interests me both personally and professionally," Ms Leslight said.
So far she has raised $2500 from hosting a cocktail function at Hotel Realm, but needs more donations to ensure her spot in the national top five.
Ms Leslight is an accomplished horse rider, unfortunately her equine partner cannot accompany her to the national final so she is now busy honing a new talent to showcase.
After going toe-to-toe with Miss Universe's Ms Roberts for a Canberra Times photo shoot, she hasn't ruled out boxing.
How Miss Universe and Miss World differ:
Miss Universe involves facing a judging panel of about six people while wearing a bikini and evening gown. The finalist must answer one question relating to current affairs, politics or a world issue. The judging criteria and presentation format is consistent for every aspect of the competition which starts at a local level and ends with the international final hosted by Miss Universe owner Donald Trump.
Before making the national final Miss World must raise a certain amount of money for charity, undergo a fitness test and pass a number of one-on-one panel interviews chaired by three judges. Once through to the final state and national rounds they must also showcase a "talent".
