The Miss Teen USA competition will eliminate its swimsuit contest, a staple of the pageant, the organization announced Wednesday. The 51 girls competing for the crown will instead be judged in an athletic-wear competition. In the past, the pageant argued the swimsuit portion was meant to display the competitors’ athleticism. “I have been an athlete my entire life,” said Katherine Haik, the reigning Miss Teen USA. “As a member of a softball team and a competitive dance team, I spend a lot of time in athletic wear.” She added, “This new direction for Miss Teen USA is a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers.”
