Catriona Gray (Image: Instagram/@catriona_gray)
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray looked back at her reign as Miss Universe three years since she brought home the crown.
The beauty queen-singer marked her “crown-versary” by showing throwback photos of herself at the Miss Universe backstage, as well as her crowning moment, on her Instagram page today, Dec. 17.
“Crazy to think that three years ago today, my dreams came true. And I’m [infinitely] proud to have represented and brought pride to my country,” she told fans. “To celebrate, I’m sharing [never before seen] snaps from my [Miss Universe] journey.”
Gray then recalled the “rollercoaster” she went through in the years after her reign ended in December 2019. She admitted that she felt like she “lost time” during the said period.
“The years since my reign ended ([in December] 2019) have been a rollercoaster, and I know I’m not alone in feeling like I’ve lost time. Time with loved ones — lost. Plans have been cancelled. Dreams delayed,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Gray encouraged the public to never give up in pursuing their dreams.
“Behind every hindrance is an opportunity. Behind every closed door is one that is set aside just for you, waiting to be opened. Behind every perceived denial is a redirection,” she stated. “In God’s perfect time, dreams come true. Please, just never ever give up in the pursuit of your purpose.”
Gray was crowned Miss Universe 2018 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on Dec. 17, 2018. Her successor is Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa.
Gray bagged the country’s fourth Miss Universe title, following Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, Margie Moran in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969. /ra
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