Arriving in the top 40 at Miss World 2023 on Saturday March 9, 2024, Clémence Botino was unable to realize her dream of wearing the crown internationally. For Télé Star, Miss France 2020 talks about her adventure in India and her future projects.
Télé Star: How do you feel a week after the Miss World 2023 election?
Clemence Botino: I feel good. The return to Paris is much calmer. I’m resting and I must admit that I really missed the capital, especially the food. It’s stupid to say that but a simple crispy baguette changes everything… Generally speaking, I don’t have any repercussions following this excitement. I know it’s common to Misses usually but I’m used to all that so I deal with it very well.
You are of Indo-Caribbean origin. Was this your first time in India?
Absolutely, and in fact it made me and my family laugh because we had the impression of going to the land of our ancestors. It was a little weird for me to be there. In fact, on my mother’s side, we have similarities with Indians so we look alike physically. And then throughout my childhood in Guadeloupe I was told that I was a mixed Indian… So I associated myself with a culture that I actually don’t know. When I arrived in India, I realized that I didn’t have much in common with them. I am very tall compared to them (laughs). It’s not my home even though it’s a place I will always be connected to.
Do you plan to return to learn more about this culture?
I think so because we didn’t really have time to visit the country during the competition. I will go to another context and with knowledge of the facts and customs.
You arrived in the top 40 unlike Miss Universe where you reached the top 10. Not too disappointed?
I felt it wasn’t for me… Of course, I would have loved to be in the top 12 but Miss World is a special adventure. We don’t really know what they’re looking for, it really depends on the year. The jury had their favorites for certain people but I know that I gave everything until the end. I have always been motivated and dynamic, which is why I have no regrets.
There were 111 candidates. Was it extra pressure?
It’s quite a special situation. From one country to another there is a different history, a different physique. So it’s difficult to stand out and it’s the challenges that change things. But we really don’t know how the rankings are made. This is the only direct pressure I could feel. Despite all my efforts, I did not have the impression that my speech or my presence were valued unlike Miss France where I had the best mark on the general knowledge test for example. In other competitions, I knew I stood out, but here I didn’t get that feedback. I moved forward blindly while keeping a smile.
Which event gave you the most difficulty for this competition?
It’s the Head to Head which was most important to me and it really disappointed me not to win it. I like to speak and I was sure of my speech but I understand that every story is touching… After sport I was sure I wouldn’t be able to do it (laughs). My team won but if I had been one of the selected ones we would have lost!
How did you feel when you announced the end of your journey?
When I did Miss France and Miss Guadeloupe I had enormous pressure on my shoulders, I was at the end of my rope and I was thinking about everything. Non. I didn’t even have the stress of being called for the top 12 because I didn’t feel it. Spain was called and it was either her or me. She was the one who was called, so that was the end. I left to sit and wait for the end.
Your loved ones were present on election night. When did they join you?
They arrived the day before the election. I was able to see my parents who came from Guadeloupe, which made me very happy!
What were their first words to you after the results?
They weren’t disappointed for me at all. They comforted me in the idea that it was just an experience. My mother was relieved… I don’t think she was ready to go back to another year with her daughter. It’s hard for a parent; there is distance, worry and so on.
Have you exchanged with Miss Czech RepublicMiss World 2023?
We were part of the same group “Europe”. She is a very nice girl. She had been modeling for ten years. Today, she wanted to bring depth to her journey. She has heart, charisma and humor. She deserves her title.
Has this experience changed you?
Miss World allowed me to realize that I wanted to get more involved in social issues. In France, there are not many personalities who work in this field full time. The girls I met are and that reassured me in my choice. I love people and that’s where I belong.
Between Miss Guadeloupe, Miss France, Miss Universe and Miss World, what are you most proud of?
It will always be Miss France… It was unattainable for me. It was beautiful, moving, strong… It’s a source of pride for me to wear this scarf.
Have your Miss friends flooded you with messages?
Before, during and after! They all supported me. They know me, we are a real family. The fact of going to Miss World four years later proves to me that I have my place. It gave emotion to my participation. I’m thinking of Indira Ampiot (Miss France 2023), Amandine Petit (Miss France 2021), Alicia Aylies (Miss France 2017)… They all told me that I was their Miss World!
You announced your retirement on Instagram. Aren’t you going to miss the podiums?
Of course ! It’s another way of building my life. I cried at the end because it was over but also because I’m afraid of what happens next. It’s not always easy to have a career renewal. But I am well surrounded. I am proud of the woman I have become thanks to beauty pageants. But I got too old (laughs).
And then what awaits you?
I want to have my own business in a sector. I love rum! It’s a heritage, my DNA, my culture and I already have one foot in it. Then, I would like to get involved with national and international organizations. This year will be decisive in my investment in women and children but also in continuing to support heritage. It’s a lot of things at the same time but nothing is fixed.
On Instagram, you announced that you wanted to change your look. For a new life?
Yes finally ! I’m tired of straight blow-drying! I’ve been thinking about it for a while but because of Miss World I couldn’t. There, it’s done! In the next three weeks, I’m cutting my hair…