Newly crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 Tharina Botes named Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines as the Miss Universe titleholder who has inspired her the most, highlighting Gray’s journey, confidence and resilience during the pageant’s final question-and-answer round on Sunday, August 23.
Asked, “Which Miss Universe has inspired you the most, and why?”, Botes immediately chose Gray, recalling her iconic victory in Thailand in 2018.
“My favorite Miss Universe would definitely have to be Catriona Gray from the Philippines. For me, she is the ultimate package. She won here in Thailand with her iconic slow-mo Lava Walk, the way she turned, and the way she carried herself,” Botes said.
The 29-year-old Thai-South African pageant veteran also praised Gray for her communication skills and the way she transformed setbacks into motivation. “Beyond her beauty, I really admire the way she speaks. She's so articulate, passionate, and inspiring,” she added.
Botes particularly connected with Gray’s journey from competing at Miss World to eventually winning the Miss Universe crown. “She taught me that when we work hard, stay determined, and believe in ourselves, we can achieve anything we set our minds to,” Botes said.
“And even though she didn't place at Miss World, she showed us that rejection can simply be redirection. She came back stronger and eventually won Miss Universe,” she added.
Botes’ own pageant journey mirrors that message of perseverance. She first competed internationally for South Africa at Miss International 2016 and Miss Supranational 2018 before representing Thailand at Miss World 2023 and Miss Grand All Stars earlier this year. She also competed twice at Miss Universe Thailand, finishing in the Top 10 in 2019 and as first runner-up in 2021, before finally capturing the national crown in 2026.
After winning the title representing Bangkok, Botes will now undergo preparations for the international Miss Universe competition, where she will compete alongside the Philippines’ representative and other national delegates.
Ending her answer with an emotional message, Botes revealed that Gray had recently followed her on Instagram. “And the fact that she followed me on Instagram the other day—I'm so happy! Mahal kita, Catriona Gray, and the Philippines. Love you!” she said.
Botes now hopes to follow in Gray’s footsteps as she takes Thailand’s flag to the Miss Universe stage, carrying with her a journey defined by persistence, multiple pageant appearances and the belief that setbacks can ultimately become redirection.
