The likelihood of Laura Barjum returning to beauty pageants was minimal, at least that’s what she had said before confirming her participation in one of the most representative international stages of the world of beauty.
This communication has raised expectations in Colombia and revived the debate on the new formats of international competitions.
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The announcement was made on December 28, a date traditionally associated with jokes, which caused uncertainty, but the video shared by Cartagena herself provides clear evidence: the runway preparation, wardrobe, makeup and brushing suggest a planned return.
“Eight years ago, in 2017, something happened between us. Because there are dreams that never get paid for, we just learn to wait.”Laura Barjum explained in the published message.
This decision, in her opinion, is a response to a belief built up over the years: “waiting for the moment when you feel ready to fight again.” The desire to represent my country never died and every learning during this time fueled the flame that shines stronger than ever in 2026.“.
The context of this possible return is linked to the recent opening of the rules within the competition Miss Grand International All Stars which will take place in the first quarter of 2026 will allow the participation of women between the ages of 20 and 40 from all countries, without restrictions on their marital status, previous experience and without necessarily being supported by a national organizationas stated in the statement by Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Barjum’s proposal represents a personal reaction to the outcome of 2017, when she received the title of universal viceroy behind Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, an episode that shaped both her career and her relationship with the Colombian public.
“Here we go, hand in hand with the same team. A team that once helped us dream, and today they are my great friends and the people I trust most to take on this challenge.”explained Laura Barjum, reaffirming her trust in those who accompanied her throughout this experience and whose collaboration now extends to this new phase.
The actress emphasized the motivation that drives her to take on the challenge again, making it clear that this does not come from a longing, but from a new certainty.: “This challenge does not arise from nostalgia, but from the conviction that I still have a lot to deliver.”
Regarding the reactions that her candidacy could provoke, Barjum assumes that she is prepared for the possibility of different interpretations: “I know there will be criticism, but what does it matter? If all this time has given me anything, it’s the strength to keep going and only listen to the right people.”
The publication ended with a few words that maintain the ambiguity typical of the date of its announcement: “And for you who have come this far, I hope you can forgive me. Happy April Fool’s Day.”
“I loved doing that, just as when I saw that you were a miss I said: I must find a woman with this beauty that goes beyond what is visible, what I once saw and no one understood why I insisted so much.“, confessed Luis Aguinzones in a message that summarizes the emotional and professional process he experienced with Barjum.
Recognizing that his initial insistence was based on a vision that others disagreed with, the coach admitted: “I know there is still a step to the crown, but the following reflect your success and that makes me proud“.
The complicity in the preparation was not only limited to the competitions, as Aguinzones described evoking shared moments: “I adore you… and how much we enjoyed making this video, remembering beautiful moments, laughing, directing you again (stressing you out) and telling again so many anecdotes that allowed us to make a successful series, hahaha…”.
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