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US Air Force pilot becomes first active-duty military service member to win Miss America

Madison Marsh, a 22-year-old second lieutenant who represented the state of Colorado, says she was pleased to show "the world that women can do anything" after her victory in the annual national pageant.

Tuesday 16 January 2024 12:56, UK

Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh is also an officer in the U.S. Air Force Pic:U.S Air Froce/William R Lewis/Shutterstock
Image: Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh is also an officer in the US Air Force. Pic: US Air Force/William R Lewis/Shutterstock
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A US Air Force pilot has become the first active-duty military service member to win the Miss America pageant.

Madison Marsh, a 22-year-old second lieutenant, emerged victorious and was crowned at a ceremony in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday night.

Confetti rains down on Madison Marsh, Miss Colorado, as she is crowned Miss America 2024 Pic:Orlando Sentinel/AP
Image: Confetti rains down on Marsh as she is crowned Miss America 2024. Pic: AP

2nd Lt Marsh, who has a degree in physics and is a master's student at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, represented the state of Colorado.

She also devotes her time to fighting pancreatic cancer after losing her mum to the disease in 2018, according to Miss America's Facebook page.

Madison Marsh, Miss Colorado, is crowned Miss America 2024 Pic:Orlando Sentinel/AP
Image: Marsh represented Colorado in the competition. Pic: AP

It also lists a NASA internship and being a two-time National Astronaut Scholar as some of her illustrious accomplishments.

She is also a certified private pilot and has a black belt in Taekwondo.

Miss Colorado, Madison Marsh walks the runway during the evening gown competition at the Miss America 2024 Pageant
Image: Marsh walking the runway during the evening gown competition at the pageant

"Here's to showing the world that women can do anything," she wrote on Instagram after her win.

"All of the women I competed with are the most kind, intelligent, talented, and passionate people I have ever met.

"I have no doubt that they will be leading in every corner of America whether it be in philanthropy, politics, business, or more."

Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh is also an officer in the U.S. Air Force Pic:U.S Air Froce/William R Lewis
Image: Marsh is a serving second lieutenant in the US Air Force. Pic: US Air Force/William R Lewis

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She thanked her family, friends and coaches - and added: "Lastly, to my momma - this whole year is for you.

"If you were in the audience last night, I know you would have been my first hug."

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Madison Marsh, Miss Colorado waves to the crowd after being named as Miss America 2024
Image: An emotional Marsh waves to the crowd after her win

She added: "The world is about to know your story, light, and love."

The US Air Force celebrated Marsh's win in a post on X, describing her as "our very own".

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Fifty-one contestants took part in the event. The runner-up was Ellie Breaux from Texas.

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