Her phone has not stopped ringing since that announcement. ‘I’ve got a busy period ahead. I’ll have to prepare properly and will be spending a lot of time in the gym,’ says the new Miss World Netherlands 2016.
Reijnders reached the final of a Miss Netherlands competition three years ago, where she met the model Desirée van den Berg. ‘One evening she phoned me and asked if I would be able to take part in the competition for Miss World Netherlands the next day. That was a bit stressful. I knew immediately I wanted to do it but it still required a lot of organizing. For instance, I had to get hold of a ball gown somehow. That’s not something I just have hanging in my wardrobe,’ laughs Reijnders.
This competition is not just about looks. What matters is how fit you are and your attitude to life.
Miss World Netherlands will be flying to Washington at the end of November, where she will be competing against around 120 women from all over the world. ‘This competition is not just about looks, and there’s no bikini round. What matters is how fit you are and your attitude to life.’ Reijnders will be performing classical ballet in the talent round. She also has to do some charity work. ‘I’m busy arranging that now. I would like my charity to have a connection with my study.’
Reijnders’ dissertation on new technology in healthcare is being put on hold. ‘I find my degree important, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’