18 May 2025

Miss World Botswana 2025, Anicia Gaothusi traded the runway for the racetrack as she showcased her athletic prowess during the Miss World Sports Challenge held at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, India on Saturday.

Gaothusi earned a spot in the Top 32 of the Miss World 2025 Sports Competition and ranked among the Top 8 in Africa, following her impressive performance in the bleep test, a demanding fitness assessment that measures stamina and endurance.

She went on to compete in a range of athletic events including, shuttle runs, sprints and team sports. The sports challenge is one of the ‘Fast Track’ events of the Miss World pageant. It aims to evaluate contestants not only on physical fitness but also on teamwork and mental discipline. 

This year’s event also emphasised cultural exchange and camaraderie. It featured activities such as badminton, sprinting, zumba, roller-skating and martial arts demonstrations. Eliise Randmaa of Estonia emerged as the overall winner, claiming the gold medal and securing a place among Europe’s Top 10 quarterfinalists.

Miss World Botswana expressed gratitude to Jack’s Gym, Propellers and SLV Yoga House for preparing Gaothusi for the competition. Reflecting on her experience, she shared with her followers: “It was tough, thrilling and full of lessons. It was an honour to represent not just Botswana, but the entire African continent on such a prestigious platform.”

From the 108 contestants, 10 finalists from each continental region will advance to the quarterfinal and fast track event winners qualify automatically, regardless of their region. The 72nd Miss World Festival finale will be held at the HITEX Convention Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana on May 31. ENDS