MANHATTAN, New York — A 54-year-old Jamaican medical professional has broken age barriers in the global pageant circuit, securing a top spot at one of the world’s most unique competitions for accomplished women. Last Saturday night, Dr. Sandra Swaby, who previously reached the top five in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, was named first runner-up at the Queen of the World Pageant, held at New York’s Symphony Space Jay Sharpe Theatre.
In an interview with Observer Online on Sunday, a buoyant Swaby reflected on her journey to the international stage, which brought together more than 25 delegates from across the globe. The veteran cosmetic surgeon, who specializes in anti-aging medicine, explained that encouragement from online pageant communities pushed her to register for the competition. For Swaby, competing was never just about winning a crown—it was a mission to redefine beauty standards for women over 50.
“I wanted to prove to women my age that they were born to be the beauty that they want to be. It’s not cliche to be glam in their 50’s,” she shared.
Unlike traditional pageants that often prioritize youth and single status, the Queen of the World competition is designed specifically for established women: it welcomes competitors who are married, mothers, full-time working professionals, and proven leaders in their fields. Swaby fits this mold perfectly: she has been married to her second husband for six years, and the couple share four daughters, while maintaining a thriving career in cosmetic medicine.
Looking back at her months of preparation, Swaby emphasized that the hardest work happened off the stage, not in a gym or rehearsal studio. For her, the most critical preparation was mental. Instead of fixating on outperforming her fellow competitors, she centered her mindset on two goals: amplifying Jamaica’s global profile and connecting with her authentic self to share her unique story with the world.
“The mental preparation was about connecting with me and showing people who I am as a woman. I had to tap into my inner light so it could shine on the outside,” she explained.
Beyond her overall first runner-up placement, Swaby walked away with three additional honors to recognize her performance and character: the People’s Choice Award, the Ambassador’s Award for Public Speaking, and the title of Miss Congeniality. The 2024 Queen of the World crown went to the Italian delegate, with the representative from the United States rounding out the competition’s top three.
In reflecting on the lessons she gained from the experience, Swaby issued a rallying cry for women who hold back from pursuing their goals because of age or societal expectations. “Just be you, just go for it, just step into the ring with your gloves on and go for it,” she said.