Alexa Roder

 Is Australia ready for a back-to-back victory?

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

A back-to-back victory is a rare feat in pageantry. And though fewer and far between, it happens once in a while - the latest being the Philippines' historic back-to-back feat at the recently-concluded Miss Grand International competition. 

A back-to-back victory could only be achieved if the new winner also comes from the same country as the outgoing queen. With Australia winning the title as 2024 Miss Earth, we asked this year's delegate, Alexa Roder, if her country is ready to achieve a back-to-back win.

"Australia would love to achieve a back-to-back victory. I am ready to take on the responsibility from my compatriot Jessica Lane. As a Law graduate, I would partner with an Australian law firm that specializes on environmental work. My Law degree made me understand about reforms.

"Australians are strong pageant contenders, like our current titleholder Jessica Lane. Her passion has connected with the global audience. My advocacy centers on food production and caring for indigenous people," said Alexa, who was chosen the Bronze medalist as Darling of the Press during the media/press presentation. She was proclaimed alongside Cheri Nana Ama Asher Ayisi (Ghana, Gold medalist) and Paris Cawich (Belize, Silver medalist).

Alexa is a Law student at the Queensland University of Technology. She just completed her academic requirements for her Bachelor of Laws degree this October, with Honors. She will be dabbling in Corporate and Environmental Space when she commences her legal profession.

"There's a place and time to what needs to be done. I enjoy being an environmental advocate as I deeply care for Mother Nature. I grew up in a small coastal town in Australia called Yeppoon. It's where you feel the waves, the sand, and hear the laughter of children playing on the beachfront.

"My mom, who is also a lawyer, inspired me to join pageantry. Growing up with a Filipino mom made me see all the Filipina queens that you somehow want to be like them. Catriona Gray resonates the most with me. She has the bigger purpose and her resilience is awe-inspiring.

"I was born in Davao. I experienced, first hand, an earthquake there. It's something that I won't experience in Australia because we are not on a tectonic plate. And my hometown is far from the snow-capped mountains where the winters are. Our town is hot, that's why I dream about a white Christmas," shared Alexa.

Jennifer Lane of Australia is the reigning Miss Earth winner. Her victory last year catapulted Australia into the circle of pageant powerhouses that include Venezuela, the Philippines, USA, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. She will relinquish her crown to the new Miss Earth titleholder on Nov 5 at the Okada Manila. Stay tuned!