First Runner-Ups Who Were Redirected: Gina Tolleson, Miss World 1990

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From "bridesmaid" to "bride": After being 
the runner-up at Miss USA, Gina Tolleson 
experienced the glory of becoming the 2nd A
American to win Miss World

The most painful placement in any pageant is the position of first runner-up. Being so close to achieving your goal but just falling short can have a very serious impact on an individual's self-esteem. Very often I have witnessed the tears of the first runner-up. They are supposed to stand there, smile and look delighted but there's always that pain of being so close but one step away from everything you worked for. That's why I admire the individuals who dig deep, who don't give up and embrace a different path. Because it's too easy to give up and so challenging to try again. And putting yourself out there again comes with expectations and pressure. But you can never really lose if you have courage and sometimes there is a happy ending. In this series, I want to celebrate some first runners-up who went on to experience winning glory. First up, is Miss USA 1990 first runner-up and the winner of Miss World 1990, Gina Tolleson. 


Gina Marie Tolleson won the title of Miss South Carolina USA 1990, which gave her the chance to compete for the Miss USA 1990 title in Wichita, Kansas. As the tallest contestant of the batch, she stood out. But she also impressed the judges. During the preliminaries, she finished third in the swimsuit competition and 2nd in the evening gown competition - making her one of the favourites to win the title of the Miss USA 1990. 

Gina proved that she was a strong competitor on the final night and advanced to the top 6 and then the top 3. When the results were announced, she was named the first runner-up, meaning that her chance to compete for the Miss Universe 1990 title was over. But there was a twist - during those days the first runner-up of Miss USA was sent to Miss World. So when one door closed, another opened. 

Miss World 1990 arriving in South Africa 

Tolleson had just under 8 months to prepare for her mission to become the 2nd representative of the United States to win the coveted Miss World crown. Everything went her way in London and on the final night, she was first awarded the Miss World Americas title and ultimately she was crowned the 40th Miss World. 

On top of the world: From Miss USA first runner-up to being 
the 40th Miss World 

During her reign as Miss World, she visited more than 20 countries. One of her aspirations was to become a television personality and the Miss World Organization saw her potential and gave her the chance to be a host at the next Miss World final in Atlanta, Georgie in 1991. 

After her reign, Gina continue to work in the entertainment industry and hosted some television programs. She also went on to marry Alan Thicke, a famous Canadian - American actor and during their 5 year marriage, they had a son together. Though the marriage ended in divorce, she remarried and had two children with her second husband. 

Crowning her successor, Ninibeth Leal from Venezuela

Gina Tolleson proved that sometimes after the disappointment of being the first runner-up, something better happens if you continue to give it your all. 

And to all the first runners-up out there, you don't have to be defined by coming second. It takes courage and a strong sense of self-believe, but Gina Tolleson is just one example of what could happen when you take that leap of faith. 

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