This year's Miss Venezuela winner comes from a lineage of beauty queens. Clara Vegas Goetz won this year's tournament and will be representing her country at next year's Miss Universe competition. She's the daughter of a previous Miss Venezuela winner, making her journey into the pageant a rare and personal one.
Vegas is the daughter of Andreina Goetz Blohm, who won Miss Venezuela in 1990. She earned success in various beauty competitions, making it all the way to the top 10 at the following year's Miss Universe.
At that time, Goetz represented the state of Bolivar, in one of the most memorable Miss Venezuela pageants, which had host Chiquinquira Delgado representing Miss Zulia, and the entertainment of figures like Rubby Perez, Rocio Durcal and Ricardo Montaner.
On the road towards Miss Venezuela, Vegas has referenced and paid tribute to her mother in one special occasion, posing for some photographs while wearing one of the dresses that her mother wore when she was crowned as Miss Venezuela.
"More than a clothing item, the dress represents a legacy that's transformed in inspiration: a daughter that honors the path that was trodded while, at the same time, charting her own way," said photographer Jose Mata, as reported by Magazine VF. "Between past and present, Clara writes with beauty and determination a new page in Miss Venezuela.
The images show Vegas wearing a white gown with black details, with her hair straightened and the make up highlighting her bright blue eyes, a characteristic that she shares with her mother.
Vegas' unlikely path to beauty queen
Clara Vegas Goetz decided to participate in Miss Venezuela organically, on a trip to Caracas while visiting her family and friends. She's long had a large social media presence, and was inspired to apply to the contest after going viral on TikTok, and receiving the encouragement of her followers.
"Today, I'm running for Miss Venezuela officially," she said in an interview with Shirley Radio, a program in Caracas, Venezuela. "We'll see, because I still have to go through a final selection and then training begins in September."
Before becoming Miss Venezuela, Vegas was based in London and was studying communications. She's discussed her love of Venezuela throughout her run in the pageant, including her experience of returning to her home country. "What makes me proudest of being a Venezuelan is, without a doubt its people. Venezuelans are welcoming. Even though I left my country when I was 9 years old, every time I visited, I felt welcomed," she said.
"These past three months, I've been welcomed with open arms, and I've had the chance to get to know the country and make new friendships, all the while strengthening my relationships with my family. I feel very happy to be here and to receive all of this kindness from my dear people."
Next year's Miss Universe will be hosted in Puerto Rico.