Miss Teen USA is eliminating the swimsuit portion
The 2016 Miss Teen USA pageant will feature one major change from the previous year's competitions: USA Today reports that it will be eliminating the swimsuit portion.
RELATED: See images from the swimsuit portion of the 2016 Miss USA pageant:
The pageant had previously required the contestants, aged 14–19, to walk across the stage in a bikini to "show off the athleticism of the competitors." After fielding criticism for objectifying young women, the Miss Universe organization decided to replace that segment with an athleticwear competition. (Athleisure reigns supreme once again.)
"This decision reflects an important cultural shift we're all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same," Miss Universe president Paula Shugart wrote.
RELATED: See photos from the 2016 Miss USA pageant:
May we suggest a caftan competition?
