Beauty pageant queens to be judged on CPR skills instead of ‘outdated’ bikini modeling: ‘I’m glad I know how to do it’

From catwalks to chest compressions.

In a move to modernize a 97-year-old competition and scrap its outdated swimwear round, contestants will now be judged on life-saving skills like chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Replacing the traditional bikini modeling segment, the newly introduced “CPR Queen” challenge is the brainchild of current Miss World England, Milla Magee.

Magee is a trained lifeguard and fierce advocate for CPR education after a personal tragedy left her family helpless during an emergency.

Now, the 23-year-old is making it her mission to ensure no one else is caught unprepared.

“When my grandparents suffered heart attacks at home, no one knew what to do,” Magee told South West News Service. “Family members waited for help that came too late.”

The beauty queen added, “If just one of them had known CPR, maybe their story — and mine — would be different.”

The new challenge encourages contestants to showcase CPR knowledge in creative ways, either by teaching it in their communities or sharing techniques online.

The Miss England contest typically includes segments such as personal interviews, swimwear and sports attire, formal evening wear, and a live question round.

Later this year, Newquay native will personally select a semi-finalist as her official “CPR Queen.”

“I’m fighting to make CPR training mandatory in schools,” said Magee, who created a Change.org petition in October 2024 titled “Go Far With CPR – Make CPR Education Mandatory in English Schools.”

The emergency lifesaving advocate stressed, “No one should have to stand by helplessly when a life could be saved.”

Magee’s campaign, Go Far With CPR, has already caught the attention of Parliament — and even Prince William, who recently sent her a letter of support as she prepares to compete at Miss World in India next month.

Pageant director Angie Beasley is also fully behind the cause — and admits she only learned CPR because of Magee.

“I have to admit I didn’t know how to perform CPR before I met Milla… but I’m glad I know how to do it now,” Beasley revealed to SWNS.

She added that realizing how vital “this knowledge is” has made both “Milla and myself want to share this with the future contestants.”

The 2025 Miss England contest will spotlight everything from athleticism to ethical fashion, but Magee sees the new CPR round as the most meaningful addition.

“You have the power to save a life with your bare hands,” Magee emphasized.

She pointed out how “important” it is to “empower, educate and encourage” our younger generations, leaving a “positive legacy for them.”