Well, Autumn is in full swing, and It’s also that time of year when the search to find Miss Universe Australia is well underway with state finalists being announced across the country.
So we thought it would be a perfect time to kick off some home state interviews with Madison O’Neill.
Congratulations on making it through to the state finals, why don’t you tell us about yourself?
Thank you, it’s very exciting to be a part of the state finals. I am 25 years old, living in Brisbane and I am currently in my 3rd year of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. My biggest ambition is to own my very own wellness centre specialising in physiotherapy and Pilates but also incorporating all aspects of health and wellness. I have spent a lot of my life studying, completing a Bachelor of Science at Monash University before moving to QLD and am currently also doing a Certificate 3 in Fitness. I started playing netball at the age of 7 and have never looked back since, playing up to 6 days a week at times, and I have been lucky enough to play for some high-level netball teams which have taken me around Australia and New Zealand. I am a very active person, I hate sitting still and being stuck indoors, and in most of my free time you will find me either at the gym, at boot camp, beach or doing something outdoors.
We all have motivations, Mine usually revolves around coffee but what was your key motivation for entering the MUA competition?
I have a number of motivations for entering the MUA competition. I have a passion for modelling and love to be on the runway. Through each competition I have entered in the past I have gained more self-confidence and have learnt a lot along the way, and this is another opportunity for me to grow as a person and learn more about myself and the world. Every competition also means new friends and an amazing experience. After following the journey of the girls from last year and seeing how much fun they all had, I knew wanted to be a part of it. Especially Miss Universe stands for something that I believe is critical and that is the empowerment of woman and giving a helping hand to those who need it. This competition is an opportunity for me to be able to do this on a grander scale and use this platform to make a real difference.
What part of the Miss Universe Australia program are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to all of it. Every part of the Miss Universe program brings a new challenge, and that makes it all very exciting.
We are all unique so what would you say is something that makes you stand out from the other contestants?
I think my persistence and determination makes me stand out from the other contestants. No matter how many times I am knocked back, I will get back up and keep trying until I get where I want to be.
With the state finals, less than a fortnight away, has your routine changed at all?
My routine has not changed too much as I have always been a healthy eater and loved working out, but I would say I’m much more focused now and I’m making every day in the lead up to the final count. The next few weeks will also be including some catwalk and question practice to make sure I feel great when I get on stage.
What is something that you hope to bring out of the Miss Universe Australia pageant?
I hope to bring out a better and more confident me with some great experiences and a bunch of new friendships that last after the competition is over. I also hope to have spread awareness about incorporating children with disabilities into community and sporting programs as I have had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the amazing and positive impact this has on these children and their rehabilitation.
We will wrap up with a few irrelevant and random questions, now that my coffee has worn off.
Name five things you can’t live without?
Family
Friends
Sunshine
Exercise
Lots of Food
How long does it take you to scroll through Facebook before giving up?
About 30 seconds when I realise that nothing new has been added since I last checked 5 minutes ago haha.
How would your closest friend describe you?
Energetic
Random
Positive
Determined
Creative
When You Dance, You look like?
I would say fun loving because I don’t care what I look like or who’s watching I just like to have fun.
Finally, and this one is important, so please pay attention… What do you think pets dream about?
I think all pets dream about food. Every pet I’ve ever had has spent their entire day thinking about food, and I caught my beautiful cat Chinkii licking his lips and chewing in his sleep many times.
So not long now until this highly anticipated event that will see 28 of QLD’s most beautiful women compete to secure a spot as a QLD National Finalist, and go on to compete in and represent QLD in the Miss Universe Australia National Final. Get Your Ticket Here
