Namibia’s Chantel Boeren has made history on the international pageant stage after being crowned first runner-up at the Miss Teen International 2026 grand finale in Jaipur, India.

Boeren delivered an impressive performance at the prestigious international competition, finishing behind Cuba’s Jhoanna Uranga, who was crowned Miss Teen International 2026.

Paraguay’s Giuliana Ocariz was named second runner-up, while Andrea Almestica of the United States and Darelys Nico of the US Virgin Islands completed the top five.

Her first-runner-up finish marks a significant achievement for Namibia and places Boeren among the highest-placed Namibian representatives at an international teen pageant.

The achievement comes after Boeren had already made her mark earlier in the competition by winning the Best Top Model title. Her modelling skills, confidence and stage presence earned her recognition among contestants from more than 30 countries.

Boeren’s journey in India has attracted widespread support from Namibians, who have followed her progress and rallied behind her throughout the competition.

The Miss Teen International competition brought together young contestants from across the globe, giving them an opportunity to showcase their confidence, personality, modelling ability and cultural identity.

For Boeren, the first-runner-up title represents the culmination of a remarkable international campaign and adds another milestone to her pageantry journey. Her success has also provided a moment of pride for Namibia, with supporters celebrating the young Namibian for carrying the national flag with confidence on the international stage.

By Rudi Bowe