A plus-sized winner of a Miss Alabama beauty contest has blasted critics who cruelly trolled her over her weight.
Sara Milliken is a model from Atmore, Alabama. She had competed in the National American Miss pageant twice before earning the title on Memorial Day 2024.
The 23-year-old took to Instagram to share her excitement over her latest achievement, writing: "I’m so honored to introduce myself as your National American Miss Alabama 2024."
She said that winning was "a dream that has been eight years in the making for me," adding: "I cannot believe I get the opportunity to live it and share it with you through the official Miss Alabama account."
Following her win, hateful users slammed Milliken over her appearance, prompting her to hit back.
Speaking to CBS affiliate WKRG-TV, she said: “Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people.
“Even though I'm not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves," she added.
Many supporters have now rallied behind the young winner, flooding her social media posts with love and praise.
"Thank [you] so much for your messages of positivity. I've been wanting to enter a Mrs pageant for years, but put it off because I worried about my weight, put it off because I worried about my age, etc, etc, etc. You are giving me the inspiration I need," one user penned on Instagram.
"I don't know you but I'm so proud of you! Congratulations!" another said, while a third added: "You are so amazing!! Go be great sweet girl!"
One person who watched her at the pageant wrote: "So proud of her! We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that title! She is an amazing, sweet young woman and is going to do great things!" as cited by Daily Mail.
Miss Alabama said she will not let the vicious comments deter her as she prepares to take the stage at the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.
"I'll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes," she said, per Daily Mail. "Their words can hurt, even if it is online."
"I've always wanted to spread positivity, and this kind of put me in a position to do exactly that," she added.
Milliken confessed that she was stunned by the response to her victory, but pointed out that she has also received lovely interactions from many social media users
"No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to," Milliken said. "I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part."
Congratulations on your victory!
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