Excitement builds for Bermuda’s Miss World hopeful
After a hiatus of 14 years, Bermuda is about to be represented again at the Miss World competition with the proud parents of Miss Bermuda Jana Outerbridge setting off tonight for London.When Ms Outerbridge walks onto the stage this Sunday, Gregory and Glenda Outerbridge will make their presence known with an eight-foot Bermuda banner.For the 23-year-old St David’s woman, the competition has already begun, with judges selecting the finalists for several of the competitions.Last night her parents spoke of their anticipation at joining their daughter in London ahead of the big day.“I’m totally excited, especially now that she made the final 36 in the [Beach Beauty] competition,” Mr Outerbridge said. “That was good to know.“She’s ready. I wouldn’t say nervous because she doesn’t get nervous about that sort of thing, but excited. There’s a lot of adrenalin.”Every day has a blur of activity since Miss Bermuda set off just days after her birthday.Mr Outerbridge said Jana seems to be having a great time taking part in the competition, and is particularly enjoying the city.“She say’s she’s making friends, and she is loving London. Maybe when this is done she will look to study up there.”Scotland is another possibility for Ms Outerbridge’s psychology studies, he said. The contestants visited the country early in the run-up to the competition.Mrs Outerbridge said their St David’s neighbourhood is abuzz with excitement.“I really don’t know what to think. I have so many emotions going around inside me,” she added. “I’m nervous, I’m nervous about just being there and how she feels about all this, but she seems to be having a great time. She is just going with the flow.”The competition will be broadcast on E! Entertainment Television, viewable on CableVision channel 55, starting at 1pm this Sunday.Bermuda’s Gina Swainson won Miss World in 1979. The Island last sent a Miss World qualifier in 1997. Miss Bermuda organiser Milika Seymour has vowed to keep the contest going as a yearly event.Useful website: www.missworld.com.