By age 19, Raegan Rutty had already appeared on the world’s biggest sporting stage as the first gymnast ever to represent the Cayman Islands at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
But the first time she was actually left “speechless” when she heard her name called as the 2024 Miss Universe Cayman Islands, in front of a packed ballroom at the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. It’s a title she had dreamed of since she was a little girl.
Since her crowning moment, Rutty has engaged in various community activities, including visiting schools and public speaking, raising awareness on mental health and ultimately representing Cayman at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico. She is now a presenter on Daybreak on Compass TV.
When Rutty, 23, wakes up on Saturday, 9 Aug., it will be the final time she will wear the crown as Miss Universe Cayman Islands.
As her reign wraps up, we caught up with the East End native who reflected on her journey as Miss Universe Cayman Islands.
How has life changed since becoming Miss Universe Cayman Islands?
It changed in ways that I would say I definitely did not imagine. I say I aged 10 years, even just at Miss Universe alone. I was confident, but it takes a different level of confidence to represent not only your country at the Olympics, but to go to a beauty pageant.
With sports, you’re either good or you’re not. You either got a perfect 10 or you didn’t. Whereas in the world of pageantry, you could have the best outfit, but if you’re not a great person, it doesn’t matter. Or on the flip side, you could be a great person, but if you don’t look the part, then it also plays against you, so for me, I’ve realised the power of confidence.
I think being Miss Universe Cayman Islands and specifically going to Miss Universe taught me how to be an advocate for myself and how to captivate and control a room as a young woman.
What were your most memorable experiences over this year?
I think the first one would be getting invited to speak at the roundtable at Miss Universe. It’s a hard competition. Oftentimes they focus on the bigger countries, but I remember my chaperone pulled me aside [to tell me] you are going to be one of 10. It was because of my back story as an Olympian coming from a small country making history, and that was really exciting for me because it wasn’t that I was chosen for having long legs. I wasn’t chosen because I had a beautiful smile, but I was chosen because of who I was in the country I came from.
I think the second one always reminds me of why I am Miss Cayman. Obviously, it’s a hard, hard journey and you always have to remember your why. I remember in December I went to visit Lighthouse School. I love children.
I taught the children about affirmations because my platform was mental health and this little girl raised her hands so high and she gave this beautiful affirmation: “I am smart. I work hard”, “I will try my best” and “I am blessed”.
Then I was at a random social event and [the same] little girl runs up to me, with her mother, and recited that affirmation. And I just started crying because you want to feel like you’re doing something important, but as Miss Cayman, it’s hard to see the impact sometimes and it was in a moment like that where I realised, not only am I having a positive impact, but it’s a memorable impact specifically on young girls.
Was there ever a point in your journey that you felt the crown was too heavy to wear?
There was a lot of times where it was really hard. We always have to put on a brave face, act like everything’s fine. I’m Miss Cayman, I’m beautiful. I’m smart. I’m well spoken.
No one truly talks about how hard it is to be Miss Cayman. Initially, after I won, I got a lot of backlash and it was really hard because a lot of people questioned whether I was Caymanian or not, and as an 11-plus generation Caymanian, that was so hard for me because being Caymanian is the most proud thing that I could be.
But also, going to Miss Universe, the preparation is so intense. There’s so much paperwork. You’re being dragged in this direction 24-hour-long days. And I remember specifically one moment where I had a complete mental breakdown. I was crying. It was so much, and 15 minutes later, I powdered my nose, and gave a speech about mental health at a school. I was struggling even in the role that I won and felt that I deserved.
A new young woman will be crowned Miss Universe Cayman Islands, any advice for her?
Put your heart out there. I always say if you put in 100% effort you can’t be upset at the outcome. Show the world what it means to be a proud Caymanian. Just because we come from a small country doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish big things. And I hope and I pray that she realises the responsibility that she has, and she goes out there and shows what true Cayman kindness is, where she shows her true authentic self, and it’s not a ‘pyah pyah’ Miss Cayman.
Your reign is ending, but life continues. Where do you go from here?
It’s this [Compass TV] studio. This has always been my dream job. I truly never thought it was going to be possible because I didn’t go to school for broadcasting, but I was so blessed that Compass Media took a gamble on me and realised I’ve gone to the Olympics, so clearly, I can handle pressure. I would love … to see how far I can get in the world of journalism and broadcasting.
Related Videos
