Miss Teen USA to scrap the swimwear section

The beauty pageant has changed one of the rounds of the annual competition.

Beauty pageants seem to be getting a lot more modern these days as Miss Teen USA has just had an important - or rather overdue - epiphany. The competition has decided to replace the infamous swimsuit section with a slightly improved activewear alternative. According to USA Today, the pageant which is open to all girls aged between 15 and 19 has made a huge choice in getting rid of the traditional swimwear round. The current Teen Miss USA is Katherine Haik with the 2016 search for the next winner due to be held in Las Vegas in July.

#MissUSA2016 wearing the one & only @sherrihill! Couldn't be happier for our new Miss USA ?

A photo posted by Katherine Haik? (@katherine_haik) on Jun 5, 2016 at 11:18pm PDT

It's reported that the talent agency that bought the Miss Universe enterprise from Donald Trump wants to change the vibe of the competition, bringing it more up to date with 2016 and more in line with feminist ideals. Miss Universe president Paula Shugart spoke of the new change in the competition:

"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. "Our hope is that this decision will help all of Miss Teen USA's fans recognize these young women for the strong, inspiring individuals they are."

The reaction to the announcement was mainly positive.

Good for Miss Teen USA for getting rid of the bikini contest — IronGaulVG (@IronGaulVG) June 30, 2016

Miss Teen USA will ditch the swimsuits for athletic wear! HUGE step in the right direction for young women's positive self-image & fitness!

— Afton Thomas (@aftonthomas) June 30, 2016

Glad this is happening @MissTeenUSA. I competed and the swimsuit made no sense to me even at that age. https://t.co/OKWmwAPycm — Erin Myers (@erinmyers) June 30, 2016