After 33 years, the Miss Universe organization is trading in swimsuits for athletic wear in the Miss Teen USA pageant.

Regardless of how beauty pageants have evolved, the swimsuit competition has always been a key element. Until now. The president of the organization said that the decision to change from swimsuits to athletic wear was because it "reflects an important cultural shift."

According to USA Today,

Pageant organizers have long said swimsuit portions were intended to show off the athleticism of the competitors. But Miss Teen USA's transition to athletic wear reads as less exploitative and more focused on the importance of physical fitness for its younger participants, aged 15-19.

The reigning Miss Teen USA, Katherine Haik, said:

This new direction for Miss Teen USA is a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers.

What are your thoughts? Should all beauty pageants follow suit and eliminate swimsuits? Leave your comments below.

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